Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo is an Isicathamiya group that was formed in 1983 in South Africa by charismatic foreman Victor Mkhizé. The group was formed in the Colenso area of KwaZulu-Natal province, where the members worked as migrant diamond miners in the mines of Natal. Isicathamiya, a Zulu a cappella vocal style, emerged among migrant laborers who would gather to sing and dance during their time off.
Background and formation
- The Isicathamiya tradition: The Isicathamiya musical style has roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Zulu migrant workers, who left their rural homes for jobs in the mines, formed all-male singing groups. These groups provided a way for the men to stay connected to their culture, remember home, and express their experiences of displacement and hardship. The music style incorporates traditional Zulu rhythms and harmonies, along with influences from American gospel and minstrel shows.
- Formation of the group: Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo was established during a resurgence of interest in Isicathamiya music, following a period where the genre had subsided in popularity. In 1983, Victor Mkhizé, a foreman who worked with other members in the mines, formed the group. The group’s formation reflects the traditional Isicathamiya practice of men organizing themselves into choirs based on shared experiences, often with a leader at the center.
- Name and style: The name “Abafana Benkokhelo” means “boys of the foreman,” in reference to Victor Mkhizé. The group’s five-part polyphony is based on the African call-and-response vocal structure, with dance as an important element of their performances.
Rise to popularity
- Recording career: Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo released their debut album, Baya Jabula, in 1987. This was followed by numerous other recordings, including Uxolo (Peace) in 1989 and Inhlanhla in 1991, establishing them as a prominent Isicathamiya ensemble.
- International recognition: The group’s work has been released internationally, featuring on compilation albums and gaining exposure through record labels like Buda Records. Their recordings helped to showcase traditional Zulu polyphony to a global audience.
- Legacy: Along with other notable Isicathamiya groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo contributed to preserving and popularizing the traditional Zulu musical style. Their recordings and performances helped to ensure that the genre’s history and cultural significance were carried forward for new generations
