Zulu, no lullabies

September 24, 2008 2:55 PM

I'm looking for powerful, blasty Zulu-style a capella that is not Ladysmith Black Mambazo or covers of "Wimoweh" (Mbube).

So, I loved the opening of The Lion King, and my favorite oldies song? Well, you can guess. But I've had a hard time finding much other than LBM, and I'm looking for more stuff like this, with a bit more discipline to it.
Help me fill out my musical taste!

posted by StrikeTheViol to society & culture (10 comments total)

It's got drums and voices, but Babatunde Olatunji might be something you'd like.
posted by nomisxid at 3:32 PM on September 24, 2008

What about Miriam Makeba? I would post a link but this is from my Blackberry in a seminar...
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 4:09 PM on September 24, 2008

The search term you want is kwaya.
posted by billtron at 5:22 PM on September 24, 2008

or mbube
posted by billtron at 5:26 PM on September 24, 2008

or isicathamiya
posted by billtron at 5:27 PM on September 24, 2008

check out Corey Harris. he sings mostly blues but he does have a couple songs that might be in the direction you are looking.
posted by docmccoy at 7:03 PM on September 24, 2008

Reminds me of an a capella group from my undergrad: Talisman. Some drums sometimes.
posted by nat at 7:55 PM on September 24, 2008

This song is one of my favorites. A quick glance shows a bunch of other versions on youtube - maybe it will lead you to more treasures.

You might also check out the Kuumba Singers, who have a nice mix of African songs in their repertoire.
posted by Bun at 8:08 PM on September 24, 2008

I'm not sure if this falls exactly into your music interests, but Bobby McFerrin's Circlesongs was, to me, an a Capella masterpiece. Listen to an example of Circlesong #2 here. Circlesong #6 (can't find a YouTube link) is my personal favourite from the album.
posted by planetthoughtful at 8:58 PM on September 24, 2008

Khayelitsha United Mambazo
But, I believe, they are Xhosa, not Zulu, from Cape Town. I know of two albums, "Amphiko" and "Live @ the Waterfront".
posted by Goofyy at 8:26 AM on September 25, 2008