Show Change! Insch prgramme to include African Special Guests!

Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control we have had to change the advertised programme for the event at the Bennachie Leisure Centre, Insch. Despite the loss of Slovenian dance troupe Igen and Belarussian group Dialogues, AIYF is delighted to be able to announce some very special guests from Africa - Umdumo Wesizwe. The arrival of the 8-strong group of dancers and singers from Zimbabwe is a real coup for this year’s festival.

Eight young men singing songs of love, hope, worship, courtship, hardship and African social commentary will mesmerise you with their harmonies and tip-toe dance routines. This is vocal music that is laced with music styles of Afro Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Reggae. Umdumo Wesizwe is the newest accapella sensation to come out of Bulawayo (Zimbabwe’s cultural melting pot)

They perform ‘imbube’ music (made popular by Ladysmith Black Mambazo) and over the years have created their own style of ‘imbube’ christened ‘igusheshe’

"Fresh, young, exuberant and ready to touch the world, the best music outfit to come out of Zimbabwe in recent years” Bulawayo Chronicle 2005

The traditional music sung by Umdumo Wesizwe is called ‘isichathamiya’ (is-cot-a-me-ya) also known as ‘imbube’. The music was born in the mines of South Africa. Black workers were taken by rail to work far away from their homes and their families. Poorly housed and paid worse, they would entertain themselves after a six-day week by singing songs into the wee hours every Sunday morning. There began a fierce but social competition held regularly and a highlight of everyone's social calendar. The winners were awarded a goat for their efforts and, of course, the adoration of their fans.

Umdumo Wesizwe has shared the stage with numerous artists from around Africa; some of these include Zimbabwe’s own Siyaya, Black Umfolosi, Aleck Macheso, Imbizo and Oliver Mtukudzi.

In 2005 Umdumo Wesizwe recorded their debut CD called “Nqingqo” and has been released on SMP Records. “Nqingqo” is the sound made by a ringing bell so by ringing the bell Umdumo are drawing the attention of every peace loving human being who has ears for good music to hear and listen to their angelic voices.Umdumo is well traveled in Southern Africa having toured their native Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. The group has been invited to perform at many special occasions. One recent event, was to perform at The NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) on Zimbabwe’s national television in February 2006.

The event at Insch is not to be missed, and tickets can be bought from the Picardy Tearoom at the Bennachie Leisure Centre and are priced at £6/£3 concessions.

For more programme info, visit http://www.aiyf.org/