By ARC Music with Iminza Keboge
Published February 11, 2021
An all-female group that specialises in isicathamiya, a diverse musical genre that combines Zulu a capella singing, Christian choral singing and theatrical entertainment is set to release its fifth studio album on February 26, 2021.
The fact that the isicathamiya field is predominately male has not deterred Afrika Mamas, a group entirely made up of women, from forming a rare female isicathamiya group and, with their high energy and incredible vocal range, they have blossomed in this style that originated in the 20th century.
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As the centrepiece of the 10-track album titled Ilanga (The Sun), a deeply emotive cover of John Lennon’s peace anthem Imagine echoes the album’s overall themes of love and humanity. Nomvula Dlamini’s powerful vocals lead an arrangement that is respectful to Lennon’s original, while adorned with a cappella choral singing. Adding a coda in their own arrangement, the Mamas call for unity at a time when the world appears stricken by division and tribalism.
The story of Ilanga began in 2019 when Afrika Mamas were given an IMbokodo award by the legendary group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The women were invited to Ladysmith’s academy to learn more about isichathamiya. Ilanga was then created as part of a student project undertaken at the Academy, were there were only five groups of students – Afrika Mamas being the only female group. Some of the tracks are written by the sons of the late Joseph Shabalala – the founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo – for example, the title track, Ilanga by Sibongiseni Shabalala and Hlonipha and Tshelamina by Thulani Shabalala.
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The women have been performing together for more than 20 years. Their European tours have taken them to countries such as the Britain, Germany, Poland, Belgium and The Netherlands, and they have participated in various projects to promote intercultural exchange with other parts of the world.
Co-produced by Xolani Majozi of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ilanga that runs 30 minutes has the following songs:
- Hlonipha
- Wangishiyelani
- Tshelamina
- Isilingo
- IBhodwe
- Imagine
- Ilanga
- Sithwele Kanzima
- Isuka kude, and
- Uzitshela Ukuthi Uyazi.
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