Available for Concerts, Workshops and Residencies

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 5 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 5 also provide workshops and residences in dance, voice, theatre, costume design, poetry, mime and also address various issues affecting society today.

QUOTES

“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 JULY 2007

“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

WORKSHOPS
"I had something like 40 events in schools during the two weeks of our festival but Black Umfolosi was the most memorable one."
Education Co-ordinator – Warwick & Leamington Festival

‘The guys are so inspiring, their harmonies and dance are just so wonderful and they are such lovely people it was truly an amazing Master Class.  Thank you!!’ Platform One

"We learnt a lot about Zimbabwe and most of Africa…please come back soon"
Schools workshops – Yorkshire (UK)

"Their passion for teaching and sharing really shone here- and above all, they were approachable, generous guys." Kaleid Festival 2007

"You just blew us away!! I really enjoyed working with you; it was so much fun learning your brilliant moves and songs with you… I bet everyone will love our performance, after all we were taught by the best!!!" School children – Cheshire, UK