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| Black Umfolosi was first formed 15th of March 1982 at GEORGE SILUNDIKA PRIMARY SCHOOL in NTABAZINDUNA and 1983 moved to NYAMANDLOV 57km west of BULAWAYO when the school relocated. | |
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This was a new boarding school, without facilities to entertain children during weekends. One evening around the campfire children started singing at random the community songs. This was enjoyed so much by both the children and school staff that it was suggested the formation of a school choir. 15th March 1982, those who attended were put in register; a rehersal schedule was put in place. About 35 students were involved including Thomeki, Sotsha and Taurai. The first choir director was Jupitor Jonz. Through him we brainstormed through a number of names to have looking for an official name for the group. |
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| Out of a big list "Black Umfolosi" (taken from a river in Natal province of South Africa) came first as the voted name. Rivers are important in our life, providing water to animals, birds, plants and people. It was decided that Black Umfolosi work should reach people with that same positive effect. Rivers are also permanent land marks, meaning that our works shall be passed on from generation to generation. | |
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The school played a big roll in Black Umfolosi, as it provided school transport to first Black Umfolosi trips to near by schools for performances. The mother body for school ZIMFEP funded the 1st recording by Black Umfolosi. That song called "IZONC ZETHU" by THOMEKI DUBE made Black Umfolosi proud and known by many in the location, this was in 1984. Just Before 1984 Jupitor JONZ left the group at the hands of JAMESZIKHALI who also left in 1987. The current leader of the Organization who is also one of the founders is THOMEKI DUBE. |
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A number of recordings for the local market followed from "IZONO ZETHU" as follows. - IZONO ZETHU - I REMEMBER - INGXUBANO- INTOMBI YALUMNFANA SOZE SIFIKE - ZILUNGISELE - STOFOTOFO Black Umfolosi also plays a 5 piece band, which has recorded songs that hit the charts in Zimbabwe, these include but are not limited to SOTOFOTOFO, SOZE SIFIKE, Intombi yalumfana and many many many more. |
| The popularity of The Group was such that they soon caught the eye of some international booking agents and they started touring outside Zimbabwe | |
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1986 was the first tour outside Zimbabwe into Botswana. 1987 Trip to SWAZILAND. 1989 Trip to BOTSWANA 1990 Trip to SCOTLAND & UK 1991 TOUR of Europe 1992 TOUR of UK, USA, CANADA. 1993 TOUR of Europe, USA 1994 CANADA |
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