BLACK UMFOLOSI

Zimbabwe’s greatest Ambassadors, performing music inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native Southern Africa, with a beauty and enthusiasm that is unrivalled. The group have become firm favourites around the world with people of all ages and cultures, due to their natural ability to communicate, passion and feeling in their performances.

Formed in March 1982, the Group takes the name from Umfolozi Omnyama River in South Africa to where their ancestors can be traced. Since from then the group has been growing from strength to strength, their performances are energy driven and completely engaging, mixing a great gentleness of spirit and song with an exuberance in dance. Their trademark harmonies mixed with intricate rhythms, clicking and clapping are highlighted during their brilliantly choreographed shows with full range of movements from subtle to vibrant stomping and leaping!!! Their famous Gumboot Dances showcase the traditional styles of Southern African mining regions and are a particular crowd pleaser.

Please catch up with their latest brilliant Album of 2020 ‘Washabalal’umhlaba’ meaning the Earth Perishes, and thus from a climate change concern.

PROFILES

THOMEKI DUBE: Born on the 5th July 1965, in Matobo District. Thomeki Dube is the Co-founding Director of Black Umfolosi. He is still active at Black Umfolosi in performances, choreography, song writing, tour managing and overall directorship of Black Umfolosi. Academically he is a holder of ‘O’ Level Certificate and various courses ranging from Marketing, Dance to Arts Management.

He has co-produced “The Black Burlesque” with US Artists in New York, a production that travelled across USA. Thomeki is a father and family person, with a wife and children. He has recorded three solo albums on gospel music. Thomeki loves exchange programmes and embracing of cultural diversity throughout the world.

SOTSHA MOYO: Born in Bulilima Mangwe on the 24th April 1965. Sotsha Moyo the co- founding Director of Black Umfolosi has developed his skills to a superb lead vocalist, whose voice has touched many souls. He is the front stage face of Black Umfolosi and has done it so well. He is a song writer, vocalist, choreographer, music trainer, a dancer and an administrative co-director working with Thomeki and Austin. Sotsha is a father with a wife and children. He has over the years done 6 solo albums on Khalanga music. Sotsha loves international music and sharing experiences with other cultures.

AUSTIN CHISARE: Born in Bulawayo on the 17th of June 1963, Austin has developed to a fine musician who has respect for the performing arts. He is a bass vocalist, dancer and a talented guitarist who plays lead and bass guitars very well. He has up to now been involved in well over 80 recordings. He is a committed father with a wife and children. He has a great character and discipline.

SANDI DUBE: She is an intelligent brilliant young lady who grew up exposed to the works of Black Umfolosi, born in Bulawayo on 10th November 1995. Sandi has so much love of the arts, that finally her dream has come true to travel the world with legendary Black Umfolosi. Sandi is a vocalist who does alto, soprano and is a natural dancer. She is a Lupane State University Graduate, in Bachelor of Social Science,

Honours Degree in Development Studies, she has worked as an intern at the International Export Trading Company, she is a public speaker, she has worked as a Health Advocate under Advocacy Core Team and has worked with companies to do with leadership and community development. She has studied the Chinese language and culture in a Chinese University, China.

LUZIBO TABONA MOYO: Born in Bulawayo on the 26th March 1997, Luzibo trained Ballet dancing from an early age, for the love of it through support from the parents. During the same period she was involved in a lot of traditional singing and dancing in the style of iconic Black Umfolosi. As a very creative and eager person for the new exploits, she is today a holder of ‘A’ Level academic certificate, National Certificate in Applied Art and Design and National Certificate in Fine Art. Luzibo currently sings tenor and alto and loves dancing and doing dance workshops.

MTHOKOZISI MOYO: Born in Bulilima Mangwe on the 22nd September 1998. Mthokozisi is a holder of ‘O’ level academic certificate, he is a very energetic creative dancer and vocalist. He has won several trophies as a traditional dancer and he is a product of Black Umfolosi training programmes. Mthokozisi has a great character and is very experimental. He loves exchange programmes and teaching dances from Southern Africa

Tickets: $25 adults, $10 students