U’zambezi are a performing arts ensemble based in the United Kingdom who specialize in music and dance from Southern Africa. Their uninhibited staccato rhythms blend seamlessly with rich a cappella harmonies. This form of a cappella song is known as ‘imbube’ and is sung mostly in Zulu. With its origins in the 1920s, when choirs such as ‘Crocodile’ and ‘Durban Evening Birds’ were founded in South Africa, modern day imbube lyrics explore key social issues such as war, suffering, love, religion and famine.
U’zambezi animate their songs with traditional dancing, ululation and African drumming.
They offer a passion-fuelled performance in an outdoor setting with gum-boot dancing, traditional song and hip hop – to name a few of their acts. The group has played for Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. They have also performed at the Global Bandstand, where they were hailed as, ‘the equivalent of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’ (Global Bandstand Review).
