Nkululeko Sibanda
20 December 2008
Bulawayo — Zimbabwe's internationally acclaimed multi-disciplinary performing arts group Black Umfolosi will in February embark on a six-month marathon tour of Europe and Canada, where they are expected to hold shows marketing their music.
The tour, now a permanent fixture in the group's annual calendar, seeks to help people abroad appreciate Zimbabwean traditional music.
In an interview, the group's deputy director Taurayi Ncube said the tour would take them to countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Austria, among others.
"Every February, we travel to the United Kingdom and Canada, among other countries, where we hold shows to showcase the richness of Zimbabwean art," Ncube said.
"Our hosts and fans out there have shown respect and appreciation for Zimbabwean art and that is why we have been going abroad since 1990."
Black Umfolosi was founded in 1982 at George Silundika High School near Bulawayo.
"Since our establishment in 1982, we have not looked back because we are determined to take Zimbabwean art and the Zimbabwean story to dizzy heights," Ncube said.
Ncube said the group had taken a social commentary approach in its productions, discussing the trials and tribulations encountered by society on a day-to-day basis.
He said this had endeared the group to a multitude of fans worldwide.
"Here at home there are challenges facing everybody and we believe that we can come together and share ideas on how these challenges can be overcome.
"It is not only through politicking that we can overcome the challenges but music can also be used as a medium where we can help each other to do so," Ncube added.
The original six members of Black Umfolosi began the group while still at school.
They have since become an internationally acclaimed harmonic acapella singing and traditional African dance group.
Compared to the likes of Lady Smith Black Mambazo of South Africa, Black Umfolosi, have released a number of recordings that feature imbube, mbaqanga and township song singing styles.
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