IN PICTURES: Isicathamiya choirs find their voice in Durban
One of the Isicathamiya groups performs a traditional song and dance on stage. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
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At an isicathamiya (Zulu a cappella) singing competition, every detail counts: the accuracy of the harmonies, the choreography, the costumes, the entrance on stage and the exit.
Developed shortly after World War I by the Zulu community, the musical genre has distant origins in local music, Christian choirs and ‘minstrel shows’, which were popular in the United States in the mid-19th century.
Isicathamiya grew out of competitions organised by Zulus working in the mines and major cities, who would gather from Saturday evenings until dawn on Sundays to sing their songs and share their culture.
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Ayanda, from the Open Ten choir in Ananda in the Kwa-Zulu Natal poses for a portrait ahead of their group performance during the 2023 edition of the Isicathamiya Festival in Durban. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)A traditional Isicathamiya group prepares to perform outside the Natal Playhouse Theatre. Several dozen groups competed in the festival. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)Anthony Ngubane, 81, poses in his finest clothes in a street adjacent to the Natal Playhouse Theatre for an oswenka (a men’s elegance competition) event during the Isicathamiya Festival. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)A traditional group rehearses backstage. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)An a cappella group performs before the audience. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)An a cappella group stands backstage in their finest costumes. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)Fredrick, a High Stars singer from Ndwedwe poses for a portrait ahead of their performance. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)Clarence, from the High Singers choir from Ndwedwe poses for a portrait. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)Chunyiswa, poses backstage wearing the dress she will present at the Natal Playhouse Theatre during an onobuhle (a traditional women’s beauty contest) event during the Isicathamiya Festival. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)Ngenzeni poses backstage wearing a dress she will present during an onobuhle (a traditional women’s beauty contest) at the Isicathamiya Festival. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)
