WORLD famous A cappella group Black Umfolosi will be performing at the Cheese & Grain on Sunday 9th October as part of their national tour.
Black Umfolosi were formed in 1982 by school friends in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, who named themselves after the Umfolozi Omnyama River in South Africa to where their ancestors can be traced. In 2009 The Black Umfolosi five continue to present their spectacular songs and dances thrilling audiences worldwide with a new line-up.
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 a full range of movements from subtle to vibrant stomping and leaping! Their famous Gumboot Dances showcase the traditional styles and rituals of the South African mining regions and are a particular crowd pleaser.
The Black Umfolosi five also provide workshops and residences in dance, voice, theatre, costume design, poetry, mime and also address various issues affecting society today.
“Their music is fresh and surprising, with typical intricate rhythms, unusual harmonies and interspersed clicking, clapping and shouting, which combine to produce a natural funky and rugged aura” – The Rough Guide. It was the best of all the festival, They have an incredible way to sing, to dance, a beautiful presence on the stage. Their simplicity, naturalness and cheerfulness was for us, at the end of the festival a beautiful present.” – Milan Festival.
“Their singing is a marvellous blend of rhythm, melody and harmony welded together with enormous complexity, but ending up with a sound that is acting simplicity” – F Roots.
“Marvellous harmonies, spine-tingling gospel singing and bare-torsoed, hard-hatted gumboot dancing” – Glasgow Herald.
Tickets cost £15 in advance. Call 01373 455420 or book online at www.cheeseandgrain.com
