Black Umfolosi are a multi-discipline performing arts group, based in Bulaw… Read Full Bio ↴Black Umfolosi are a multi-discipline performing arts group, based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The group began as a means of entertaining themselves while still at school in 1982. They have since become an internationally acclaimed harmonic acappella singing and traditional African dance group. the original six members have developed their skills and their organization to a point where the now 18 members provide a multitude of services in the performing arts industry in Zimbabwe and internationally. Compared to the likes of Lady Smith Black Mambazo of South Africa, Black Umfolosi, tour extensively from their homeland Zimbabwe to the UK, Australia, Asia, Europe, Canada and the USA. They have released a number of recordings that feature singing styles of Imbube, Mbaqanga and Township songs. Their dynamic live performances showcase the traditional dancing styles of the Southern African region as well as the more contemporary styles and movements they develop themselves. Black Umfolosi is much more than a performing group; they are active in training others, particularly the youth, in dance and voice. They try to identify and develop up and coming groups and mentor them along their path to success. They provide workshops and residences in dance, voice, theatre, costume design, poetry, mime and also address various issues affecting society today. In short, Black Umfolosi are a community driven organization aiming to give back to people what they themselves have received. The group run various outreach programmes both at home and internationally, and does a lot of development educational work with universities, hospitals, prisons, community centres and other arts institutions.

Imbube
Black Umfolosi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Imbube mama
Imbube mama
Imbube mama
Imbube le (mbube)

(Imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube le)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube le)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube le)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)
(Imbube, imbube mama)

(Imbube, imbube mbube mbube)
(Imbube, imbube)
(Imbube, imbube)
(Imbube, imbube)
(Imbube, imbube)
(Imbube, imbube)
(Imbube, imbube)

(Imbube, imbube)
(Imbube, mbube mmm)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Black Umfolosi's song "Imbube" consists mainly of repeating the phrase "Imbube mama" and "Imbube le (mbube)" in a traditional African language. The song title means "lion" or "king of the jungle," and the lyrics allude to the power and strength of this iconic African animal. The repetition of these phrases, as well as the use of call-and-response between the lead singer and the background vocalists, create a sense of unity and community in honoring the lion.

The song has roots in South African Zulu and Ndebele cultures, where the lion is a symbol of courage, leadership, and strength. The song has been popularized by many African a cappella groups, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Lion King musical soundtrack. Its driving rhythm and harmonious vocals have made it an instant crowd-pleaser and a beloved classic. The song has gained worldwide popularity and is often performed as a celebration of African culture and a symbol of African unity.

In conclusion, Black Umfolosi's "Imbube" is a powerful and uplifting tribute to the African lion, and by extension, African culture and community. It is a song that celebrates strength, courage, and leadership and has become an iconic part of African music history.

Line by Line Meaning

Imbube mama
The lion is coming, mama

Imbube le (mbube)
Here comes the lion (imbube)

Imbube, imbube mama
Lion, lion is coming, mama

Imbube, imbube le
Lion, lion here comes

Imbube, imbube mbube mbube
Lion, lion, roar, roar

Imbube, imbube
Lion, lion

Imbube, mbube mmm
Lion, roar

Writer(s): Sotsha Moyo, Austin Chisare, Thomeki Dube, Trad

Contributed by Scarlett D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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