Howard Goodall’s Choir Works

South Africa

1. Joseph Shabalala formed which famous South African vocal group?

a) South African Singersb) Ladysmith Applesc) Lady Blacksnaked) Ladysmith Black Mambazo

2. Which male singing style has the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo made famous?

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3. What is Isicathamiya?

Isicathamiya (with the 'c' pronounced as a dental click) is an a cappella singing style that originated from the South African Zulus. The word itself does not have a literal translation; it is derived from the Zulu verb -cathama, which means walking softly, or tread carefully. Isicathamiya contrasts with an earlier name for Zulu a cappella singing, mbube, meaning "lion". The change in name marks a transition in the style of the music: traditionally, music described as Mbube is sung loudly and powerfully, while Isicathamiya focuses more on achieving a harmonious blend between the voices. The name also refers to the style's tightly-choreographed dance moves that keep the singers on their toes.

South African singing groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo demonstrate this style. Isicathamiya choirs are traditionally all male. Its roots reach back before the turn of the 20th century, when numerous men left the homelands in order to search for work in the cities. As many of the tribesmen became urbanized, the style was forgotten through much of the 20th century.

Name ............................................ Class ................

Today, isicathamiya competitions in Johannesburg and Durban take place on Saturday nights, with up to 30 choirs performing from 8 pm to 8 am the following morning.

4. What area of South Africa did Isicathamiya originate from?

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5. a) The arrangement of the male voices into four separate parts came from?

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b) And what are these four vocal parts

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6. What are minstrel shows?

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7. Isicathamiya songs help remind the people of their

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8. Listen to Joseph give the animal sounds. Describe the sound of his voice and how he makes the animal noises. This is called Tone Colour.

• Cow/Bull - _________________________________________________________

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• Bats - ______________________________________________________________

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• Carrying something difficult - _________________________________________

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What other animal sounds can you make, using your voice, in the style of Joseph?

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Name ............................................ Class ................