1. South African Popular Music: Isicathamiya

3. Two Sound Examples
“Wimoweh” – The Weavers (est. 1948, with Pete Seeger)
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – The Tokens (1961)

4. Isicathamiya (popular genre)
A capella vocal style
Groups consist of 8-9 male vocalists
Developed by Zulu migrant workers in South Africa
Zulu influence: overlapping antiphonal harmonies in distinct ranges; ostinato-based form; sounds from Zulu language
Slow tempi
Include choreographed stepping
Means “walking softly”

5. Solomon Linda ( )
Influenced by African-American popular musics; added to Zulu songs
Composer of “Mbube” and originator of isicathamiya style in township slums
Recorded Mbube with Gallo Records; sold 100,000+ by 1949
NOTE: ENGLISH COLONIZERS AND WHITE AFRIKAANERS IMPORTED AFRO-AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC, INCL. RAGTIME; STRUGGLE OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS WAS INSPIRATIONAL TO OPPRESSED ZULUS - Play “MBUBE”; READ NYT ARTICLE
Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds

6. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960 as isicathamiya group
Signed on with Gallo Records in 1972
Collaborated with Paul Simon in 1986 (“Graceland”)
Name means the black/strongest axe from town of Ladysmith that will cut down all competitors

7. “Graceland” (1986)
Paul Simon records 2 tracks with Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith
Became best selling album, launching Ladysmith’s international fame
Controversy over collaboration during apartheid (UN cultural boycott of SA); on nature of collaboration
SHOW MAKING OF HOMELESS CLIP