Imbube still lives on

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
REGA kusarira by Amabhubesi and Unity by Black Umfolosi are some Imbube hits that come to mind when one reflects on the musical genre that has brought the masses together since the country’s attainment of Independence in 1980. Imbube, taken from the Zulu word “bhubesi” (lion), describes the presentation of the songs which are loud and powerful a cappella four part harmonies, accompanied by dancing.

Imbube is a form of South African vocal music, made famous by the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The music genre, according to Thomeki Dube of Black Umfolosi, has its roots in the townships dating as far back as the 1930s but shot to prominence in the 1960s.

“When we were growing up, Imbube was part of society. Our elders used to listen to the music. I developed an interest in Imbube when I was very young,” said Dube.

He said during the 1960s, Imbube was popularised by groups such as Crown Figure, which would mix traditional dances such as isitshikitsha and ingquzu with their a cappella music.

Dube said Imbube was popular because it was a form of social commentary that spoke to the masses about the goings on in their lives before, during and after independence.

“Imbube shows were held egcekeni, near Big Bhawa in Makokoba Suburb on weekends. There would be up to 15 groups performing there, including Crown Figure, Dubaduba and Thethindaba among others. Imbube was part of tradition and the music conveyed messages of counselling to married couples and correction to the youth,” he said.

Dube said the trend continued until the mid 70s but was disrupted by the war of liberation as a number of groups lost their members to the armed struggle.

Million Mpala, now a member of Ndlela Zimhlophe, lost friends to the war when he was part of the group Thethindaba Choir that was formed in 1953.

“The 1970’s were a dark period for Imbube because a lot of groups stopped performing simply because most of their members had gone to the war. They wanted to liberate the country and sacrificed their love for music. Others such as Themba Ncube became prominent in the war for their music.

“Ncube carried his love for music even during the liberation struggle,” said Mpala.

He said after independence, the genre was revived by groups such as Black Umfolosi.

“There was a need to revive the genre after the liberation struggle. Fortunately, there were young boys who looked up to us.

“Black Umfolosi comprised of some of these young boys and they’ve made a name for themselves in Zimbabwe and beyond,” said Mpala.

Amabhubesi and Sunduza have also become popular outfits.

Oscar Siziba of Impumelelo Shining Stars, which shot to prominence in modern day Zimbabwe, said Imbube was still relevant in the country.

“All the songs we sing have a message for everyone. That’s why I say Imbube is relevant in the country as it encourages social cohesion and unity among people from different walks of life,” said Siziba.

He said the genre had evolved over the years as artists have moved to isicathamiya that incorporates traditional dance moves.

“We now perform isicathamiya which focuses more on achieving a harmonious blend among the voices. The name also refers to the tightly-choreographed dance moves that keep the singers on their toes. Unlike Imbube, which was traditionally loud and powerful, isicathamiya that’s derived from the Zulu word cathama, which means walk softly or tread carefully, is more subtle,” said Siziba.