British Columbia

CBC Musical Nooners July 23: Black Umfolosi

Zimbabwean A cappella group bring their infectious harmonies and dances moves to the CBC Musical Nooners.

Infectious harmonies, dance moves from Zimbabwe will have you moving

Black Umfolosi was formed over 30 years ago by school-age friends. (Supplied)

Zimbabwe's Black Umfolosi will bring their energy and spirit performing traditional song and dance from Southern Africa to the CBC Musical Nooners stage this Thursday.

Black Umfolosi was formed in 1982 by a group of school friends living in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. They named their group after the Umfolozi Omnyama River in South Africa, from where they can trace their ancestry.

The band is self-taught and specialize in A capella singing, gumboot dance and Zulu dance.

Their gumboot dances — which have become a trademark feature — showcase the traditional styles and rituals of the South African mining regions.

For a taste of what's to come this Thursday, check out a performance of their Gumboot Dance:


The CBC Musical Nooners are a series of free, live music concerts every weekday from noon to 1 p.m. at the CBC Vancouver Plaza on Hamilton Street (between West Georgia and Robson). 

While we do control the line-up, we can't control the weather. Follow us on Twitter at @CBCVancouver or #musicalnooners in case of changes to the schedule due to inclement weather.