Africa is famous for its strong links to modern-day gospel music. Religion, spirituality and tradition play an integral part of everyday life in every African country. That is also why you will often see people in any situation share renditions of religious, spiritual or cultural songs. Not only during times of celebrations or sorrow, but whether it is in a minibus taxi, in the supermarket queue, at work or on the walk back home, there is always somebody humming.
Gospel music is often see as synonymous with American Christian churches. The roots, however, perfectly represent the beauty of which America composes of - a rich mix of European Christianity and African spirituality, rhythm and music. While European Christian descent in the US is widely studied, the African background of Gospel music or more unknown to most. In my view, only a trip to Africa, and here I am not talking particularly about one African country (in my case of course I can best talk about South Africa), can fully and truly reveal the beauty of African culture, which is so deeply dictated by rhythm, music and vocals. While many of the musical characteristics of Gospel can be directly linked to African cultural music, like the strong vocals with a very clear use of positive harmonies, the content of most songs contain more spiritual and cultural lyrics rather then directly referring to the bible (to be quite general) or direct religious stories. The clear African connection emerges when thinking about another name Gospel music receives in the US - Black Gospel. This is to differentiate it from other Christian music, clearly stating its African roots. It is though that first ever publicly known Gospel song (as per today's definition) appeared in 1874 in the US by Philip Bliss, called "Gospel Song".
One of the most prominent African contemporaries of Gospel Music is clearly the Soweto Gospel Choir. For global representatives of Gospel Music, see the Gospel Hall of Fame.
See now a beautiful African Gospel song, performed by a great South African Youth Choir, led by Siyabonga Cele.
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Traditional Zulu dancing is an important part of the Zulu culture. Dancing is usually performed during a traditional Zulu ceremony, and is accompanied by vibrant singing and sometimes the beating of drums. Zulu dancing is something quite spectacular, especially when the men and women are fully dressed in their traditional attire.
It is customary that unmarried and young men dance, alternating in separate groups, occasionally the married women and men break in and join the festivities. Married women utter a quavering shrill (ukukikiza). When the young women (izintombi) dance, the young men clap and play the drum and vice versa.
Indlamu
This traditional dance is most often associated with Zulu culture. It is performed with drums and full traditional attire and is derived from the war dances of the warriors.
This war dance is untouched by Western influence probably because it is regarded as a touchstone of Zulu identity. Full regimental attire, precise timing and uncompromised posture are required. It is danced by men of any age wearing skin (amabeshu), headrings, ceremonial belts, ankle rattles, sheilds and weapons like knobkeries and spears. While indlamu uses similar steps as girls do for ingoma, it has a much more calculated, less frantic feel, showing off muscular strength and control of the weapons with mock stabs at imaginary enemies. Dancers are more likely to make eye contact with the audience. Various drums and whistles accompany the dance.
Both indlamu and ingoma are performed at weddings; women perform the Ingoma and men perform the Indlamu.