By the 'Nguni' is meant the peoples along the Southeast coast of Africa, mostly in South Africa, who are now called by names such as Xhosa, Zulu, Swati, and numerous smaller groups, which split from Mnguni, the forefather of the original group.
A notable feature of the Nguni music featured here...
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By the 'Nguni' is meant the peoples along the Southeast coast of Africa, mostly in South Africa, who are now called by names such as Xhosa, Zulu, Swati, and numerous smaller groups, which split from Mnguni, the forefather of the original group.
A notable feature of the Nguni music featured here is its propensity towards vocals. This is in keeping with the surroundings of predominantly pastoral societies. The variety of vocal styles is staggering. There are the private moments of the solo vocalist with uhadi (gourd bow) accompaniment, of which there are several distinctive examples here. There are also the raucous but sweetly harmonious choirs comprising young vocalists with simple hand clapping accompaniment. In contrast, there is an example of a beautifully rehearsed, church-style, 3-part harmony protest song, the gentle melody and movement belying the dark lyrics. A ceremonial song in the distinguishing Zulu vocal style, performed by a group of men who include Chief Buthelezi on the occasion of his engagement to Princess Magogo, lends an element of grandeur to the collection. Princess Magogo herself responds with a self-composed love song to the Chief, accompanying herself on ugubhu (a Zulu gourd bow, identical in structure to the Xhosa uhadi). By far the most striking performances on this collection, however, are the Swati umgubo regimental songs. With the male vocalists providing a resonant, drone effect, these songs move slowly and eerily, in a hypnotic fashion.
Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey - finally a true 'roots album' of South African Music.
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