ISICATHAMIYA

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ISICATHAMIYA

• By Kristi Fager

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BRIEF INFO ON SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC

• Music is a way of life
• It is an expression of ones creativity AND a
  powerful means of communication with the
  ancestral world It creates a feeling of
  community
• The most important feature is vocal music
• Choral rhythm is expressed simultaneous by the
  singers in the form of gestures, dance steps,
  postures, other movements, or the manipulation of
  real or symbolic weapons
• An audible emphasis is made by clapping and
  stamping
• These actions are inseparable from the music
  because the music and action are blended
  together in the production of a larger artistic
  whole.
• The influence of speech tones of words and pitch
  movement is another important feature

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ISICATHAMIYA A Brief History

• Born in the mines of South Africa in the early
  20th century
• After working 6 days of working, they would
  entertain by singing songs until Sunday AM
• The tip toe guys
• Miners returned home along with the tradition

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ISICATHAMIYA What is it?

• A South African a cappella singing style that
  originated from the Zulus
• Derived from the Zulu verb cathama which means
  walking softly
• Traditionally all male
• Name also refers to the dance moves (keep singers
  on their toes)
• Derived from call-and-response vocal music
  combined with an open church-like sound

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ISICATHAMIYA What are some characteristics?

• Music of migrant workers suffering, reparation,
  and resistance
• Dress and dance is a symbolic representation for
  the ideal community
• Competitions held on Saturday nights in
  Johannesburg and Durban
• Competitions can go from 8pm until 8am

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ISICATHAMIYA Who sings this style?

• The most popular group is the Grammy
  award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• They have produced 27 albums since 1984
• Popular hit Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight)
• http//www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story
  Id1672483
• Meaning of name
• Ladysmith refers to hometown of the Shabalala
  family
• Black refers to black oxen, the strongest
  animal on the farm
• Mambazo refers to an ax which is symbolic of
  their ability to chop down the competitions

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ISICATHAMIYA A Taste from the Augustana Choir

• Haleluya! Pelo tsa rona from Freedom is Coming
  (Songs of Protest and Praise from South Africa)
• Can you identify the polyrhythms?
• Choral rhythms are emphasized by bodily movements
  and actions. What audible emphasis is made in
  this particular recording?
• Dance steps can also be incorporated