If you’re a Ladysmith Black Mambazo fan, don’t miss Zimbabwean group Umdumo Wesizwe’s authentic performance of imbube music right here in Wales.
Don’t worry if you missed their amazing performance at this year’s Womad, World music fans will be in for a real treat this October, when Zimbabwean group Umdumo Wesizwe perform across Wales as part of a whistle-stop tour of the UK.
While the audience might not have heard of the 10-piece group, their distinctive style of traditional music, known as imbube, is instantly recognisable – having been popularised in the west thanks to groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Grammy award-winning South African a cappella group.
Umdumo Wesizwe, meaning Sound of the Nation, will be performing songs of love, hope, worship, courtship, hardship and African social commentary during the event, including harmonies and tip-toe dance routines which organisers say will mesmerise guests.
The group hails from Zimbabwe’s townships and has garnered and excellent reputation since being established in 1994. The traditional music performed is said to have its roots in the mines of Southern Africa where black workers were taken to work by rail, far away from their homes and family. Poorly housed and paid, workers would entertain themselves through singing music.
The tour through Wales is organised by the Arts Council of Wales, a Night out scheme. Night Out works with village halls and community groups throughout Wales helping them put professional shows into their community venues.
Last year the scheme enabled over 570 shows to be put on by community promoters across Wales.
For more information contact www.nightout.org.uk
South & West Wales
October 4th 7pm Llandybie Public Memorial Hall, near Ammanford, Carmarthenshire Contact 01269 851110
October 6th 7.30pm Bishopston Community School, Swansea
Contact Arwyn harris 01792 234121
October 7th 7pm Soar Centre, Penygraig, Rhondda Cynon Taff
Contact Tom Stupple 01443 420870
October 8th 7pm St. Joseph’s Church, Cwmaman, Aberdare
Contact David Way 01685872871
October 9th 7.30pm Blaengarw Workmens Hall, Blaengarw, Bridgend. Contact Don Sage 01656 871911
October 10th 7.30pm St. Jerome’s Church, Llangwm, Pembrokeshire. Contact Pamela Hunt 01437 899 966
October 11th 6pm Christchurch, Aberbeeg, Abertillery, Caerphilly
Contact Friends Of Christchurch 01495 217912
North Wales
October 21st 7pm Llanfwrog Community Centre, Ruthin, Denbigshire Contact Llanfwrog Community Centre 01824 702885
October 22nd 7pm Theatr Elfed, Buckley, Flintshire
Contact Elfed High School 01244 550217
October 23rd 7.30pm Llandegfan Canolfan, Anglesey
Contact 01758 720 055
October 24th 8pm Shiloh Community Centre, Cwm Penmachno, Betws y Coed, Conwy
Contact Aled Owen 01690 760112
October 25th 7.30pm Machynlleth Tabernacle
Contact Tabernacle 01654 703355
