ISICATHAMIYA, a traditional and/or music that has survived tough challenges for many years, is still going strong in South Africa today.
Silwayiphi Ngubane, chairman of Iphimbo Scathamiya Music Organisation (ISMO), says this genre of music originated in the 19th century.
"We used to sing the music at night, that is why it is called ingoma busuku. This was for entertainment because men were lonely in the hostels," he says.
The old culture of competitions, fused with swenkas and onobuhle (beauty contests) still happens today.
On Sunday, cothoza groups gathered at Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando West, Soweto, and competed for trophies. The music competition was accompanied by a beauty contest.
The show started with onobuhle showing off their beauty on stage; and the men, in their suits with matching shoes and ties, added a classic touch to the contest.
There is usually no age limit in these contests. After the modelling show, the singing groups took to the stage .
Going head-to-head for the first prize were Bergville Green Lovers, Blue Khwezi, Ladysmith Hlanganani, Themba Boys, Naughty Boys, General Singers, Phuphuma Love Minus, Am abutho Embube, Isi khalo se Africa and Mkhaliphi Happy Boys.
After two hours of tough competition, Bergville Green Lovers came up tops, followed by General Singers, Isikhalo seAfrica came third and Ladysmith Hlanganani took fourth place.
Ngubane, who is among the oldest singers of this genre, says a lot is taken into account when judging such competitions. "We (look at the) dress code, which means they have to be neat. They wear a suit and a tie. Takkies are not allowed. The movements on stage have to be uniform. Musicians are also judged on their voice projection," he explains.
Ngubane says isicathamiya competitions are handled professionally and group members are always required to exercise discipline.
"We host mini competitions on Saturdays to encourage people to be passionate about fashion and music.
"When preparing for a competition, we usually camp like soccer players. We don't tolerate people who drink during the competitions."
However, Ngubane says people are not exposed, as they should be, to isicathamiya.
He says as much as they continue to work hard, trying to keep cothoza music alive, radio and television stations are not doing enough to support the genre.
"We plan to take the music to the schools and introduce it to the youth." Ngubane says they also host workshops for interested groups.
One can look at isicathamiya music as a way of life as it carries a lot of tradition with it, having originated from the Zulu culture.
Voices from the streets
ISICATHAMIYA, a traditional and/or music that has survived tough challenges for many years, is still going strong in South Africa today.
Silwayiphi Ngubane, chairman of Iphimbo Scathamiya Music Organisation (ISMO), says this genre of music originated in the 19th century.
"We used to sing the music at night, that is why it is called ingoma busuku. This was for entertainment because men were lonely in the hostels," he says.
The old culture of competitions, fused with swenkas and onobuhle (beauty contests) still happens today.
On Sunday, cothoza groups gathered at Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando West, Soweto, and competed for trophies. The music competition was accompanied by a beauty contest.
The show started with onobuhle showing off their beauty on stage; and the men, in their suits with matching shoes and ties, added a classic touch to the contest.
There is usually no age limit in these contests. After the modelling show, the singing groups took to the stage .
Going head-to-head for the first prize were Bergville Green Lovers, Blue Khwezi, Ladysmith Hlanganani, Themba Boys, Naughty Boys, General Singers, Phuphuma Love Minus, Am abutho Embube, Isi khalo se Africa and Mkhaliphi Happy Boys.
After two hours of tough competition, Bergville Green Lovers came up tops, followed by General Singers, Isikhalo seAfrica came third and Ladysmith Hlanganani took fourth place.
Ngubane, who is among the oldest singers of this genre, says a lot is taken into account when judging such competitions. "We (look at the) dress code, which means they have to be neat. They wear a suit and a tie. Takkies are not allowed. The movements on stage have to be uniform. Musicians are also judged on their voice projection," he explains.
Ngubane says isicathamiya competitions are handled professionally and group members are always required to exercise discipline.
"We host mini competitions on Saturdays to encourage people to be passionate about fashion and music.
"When preparing for a competition, we usually camp like soccer players. We don't tolerate people who drink during the competitions."
However, Ngubane says people are not exposed, as they should be, to isicathamiya.
He says as much as they continue to work hard, trying to keep cothoza music alive, radio and television stations are not doing enough to support the genre.
"We plan to take the music to the schools and introduce it to the youth." Ngubane says they also host workshops for interested groups.
One can look at isicathamiya music as a way of life as it carries a lot of tradition with it, having originated from the Zulu culture.
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