Thula Sizwe sings; the audience is breathless.
Thula Sizwe dances; onlookers come alive.
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With songs that hail from a time when South Africa was on the world stage and peace and freedom hung in the balance, this ten-man group from Soshanguve offers American audiences an authentic snapshot of traditional Zulu culture…
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and a reason to hope for the future of our world.
BYC Presents:
Thula Sizwe
Act 48 Credits provided through collaboration with
Music Educator Professional Development Workshop (Act 48 Credits)
10-11:30am, $10
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The Loose Thread: Navigating the Complexities of Cultural Appropriation in Music Education
Presenter: Lee Saville-Iksic, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus
Featured Artists: Thula Sizwe: the Group Zulu
Should we teach music from cultures that are not our own? Can it be done without doing harm to others or creating feelings of imposter syndrome in ourselves? In the first half of this workshop, we will delve into the nuances of these issues while exploring possibilities for intercultural musical experiences centered around honesty, integrity, and honor. In the second half, we will participate in an immersive, singing and dancing experience with Thula Sizwe: the Group Zulu, a traditional performance ensemble from South Africa.​​​​
Community Sing and Concert
1-2:30pm: Community Sing,
Registration: $5.
Open to BYC Singers, non-BYC students grades 6 & up, and adults!
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3pm: Concert by Thula Sizwe
Tickets: Pay as you will (Suggested Donation $10-$30)
Open to the public, all ages! ​​​
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The sounds of South Africa's indigenous peoples, right here in Berks County!
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This event begins with a community sing for students and adult choristers. Come join your voice in singing well-known South African favorites like "Siyahamba" and "Shosholoza"; hear stories from the artists; and be ready for a few surprises! The community sing will be followed by a featured performance by Thula Sizwe offering traditional and original songs, drumming, and traditional Zulu dance. Open to the public!
LISTEN
Thula Sizwe's Story
Thula Sizwe was born from a love of music, a pride in culture, and a need for expression. Conceived in 1984, the group unofficially formed when Paul Ramafalo recruited Shadrack Mgiba, Alfred Letsoalo, Jonathan Mabuya, and Nicholas Lenkwati in efforts to assemble a singing group. At the time, they were all in high school and conditions were very difficult for Black South Africans. Amid the oppressive policies of Apartheid, a state of emergency declared by the White minority government prohibited Black South Africans from gathering; singing in public was strictly prohibited. Police and soldiers were placed in schools to enforce the law. However, Paul and his friends appealed to the school principal, and together they convinced the police and military to allow them to sing for no more than 30 minutes after school each day.
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When Apartheid ended and Nelson Mandela became president in 1994, Thula Sizwe was called upon by the government to be cultural ambassadors for the “new” South Africa — the “Rainbow Nation,” as Desmund Tutu called it. The group has traveled to many countries around the world sharing Zulu culture and promoting goodwill and peace. While performers have come and gone over the years, several of the founding members continue to sing with the group today, and Abel still serves as the group’s leader.
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There has been progress in South Africa since the end of Apartheid, but living conditions remain very difficult today, with unemployment over 30%. Most of the men of Thula Sizwe do not have running water in their homes and live with extended families in small, crowded houses. In spite of this, they are a hopeful and joyous ensemble spreading a message of peace and harmony wherever they go. The income from their US tour is essential for the men, their families, and others in the community. We sincerely appreciate your support and welcome any opportunity to help the men of Thula Sizwe share their talents and their stories.
