• Monday 6 February 2012 - 20h30

A SOUTH AFRICAN JEWEL

The traditions of the Ndebele, a Zulu group who settled in Zimbabwe in the early 19th century, gradually changed when they came in contact with Shona, Kalanga and, most of all, European populations. Their mainly vocal repertoire has been inspired by multiple sources, war songs, spiritual and gospel singing as well as the renowned Imbube style, which appeared in South African townships at the beginning of the 20th century. The predominance of bass voices, the handling of polyphony and subtle exchanges between a leader and a chorus result in a warm, beguiling and intense music.

Vincent Hickman