Charlottetown – The sweet a capella sound and captivating dance of Zimbabwe will delight the Island March 14 as PEI Presents Black Umfolosi on the Mainstage. The South African group’s songs, sung in close, rich harmony, address general human concerns - love, family, spirit - as well as contemporary problems - wars, apartheid, the environment and AIDS. Their dynamic dances showcase the traditional dancing styles and rituals of South Africa. Great harmony and intricate rhythms combined with leaping, stomping and the odd high kick!
Black Umfolosi formed in Zimbabwe in 1982 at a new boarding school that lacked facilities to entertain children during weekends, according to the group’s website. One evening around the campfire children started singing at random the community songs. This was enjoyed so much by both the children and the school staff that a school choir formed.
About 35 students were involved initially. The first choir director was named Jupitor Jonz. Through him they brainstormed a number of names to have an official name for the group. Out of a big list "Black Umfolosi" (taken from a river in Natal province of South Africa) came first. Rivers are important in our life, providing water to animals, birds, plants and people. It was decided that Black Umfolosi’s work should reach people with that same positive effect. Rivers are also permanent land marks, meaning that the group’s works shall be passed on from generation to generation.
The school played a big roll in Black Umfolosi, as it provided transport to the first Black Umfolosi trips to nearby schools for performances. They began touring outside of Zimbabwe in 1986 and first came to Canada in 1992.
Bergmark, Guimond, Hammarlund, Jones Architects is the show sponsor.
Friday, March 14, 8:00 p.m., Mainstage, Confederation Centre of the Arts
Tickets: $20
Tickets are available at the Box Office, by calling (902) 566-1267 or toll free 1-800-565-0278, and online at www.confederationcentre.com.