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.

The Gumboot Dance
Black Umfolosi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ha Ha
(Ahh wena makepes)
(Ubumxoshelani uHovarosi emsebanzini)
(Yena esebenza ehola imali encane)
(Ubusithi uzathola imali enengi)
(Ah Futseki you Demate)

Shaya la
Salute bafana salutha wena
Salute bafana shaya
Ekhaya bafana
Ekhaya bafana

Wakhuluma kancane usebenz' emgodini
Bakutheth ngaephi mara

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Black Umfolosi's song The Gumboot Dance depict the traditional dance form performed by South African miners. The song begins with the sound of laughter and a conversation between two individuals, as if they are mocking someone who works hard for little pay. The first person mentions a person named Hovarosi who works and earns very little money. The second person chimes in by saying that Hovarosi will earn more money in the future. Another person then interrupts by saying "Futseki you Demate", which is interpreted as "Stop talking, you fool!".

The main part of the song then begins, calling on the young men to salute and pay respect to their fellow workers. They are asked to perform the Gumboot Dance, a traditional dance that was created by miners who were not allowed to talk to each other due to language barriers during their work. The dance is performed by slapping different parts of the body and boots to create a rhythmic beat. The lyrics continue by saying that the young men should go home and rest after their hard work, but they are also mocked for talking too much about work and wages.

The song portrays the harsh reality of the lives of miners and their low pay, but also highlights the camaraderie and sense of community that they share through the Gumboot Dance.

Line by Line Meaning

Ha Ha
A sound of amusement or laughter

(Ahh wena makepes)
An expression of dismissing or rebuking someone

(Ubumxoshelani uHovarosi emsebanzini)
Asking why is Hovarosi hesitating in the workplace

(Yena esebenza ehola imali encane)
Describing someone who is working hard for little money

(Ubusithi uzathola imali enengi)
Stating that one can earn more money through other means

(Ah Futseki you Demate)
An expression of disapproval or dismissal

Shaya la
A call to dance or move

Salute bafana salutha wena
Encouraging the boys to salute and dance

Salute bafana shaya
Encouraging the boys to dance

Ekhaya bafana
Calling out to the boys to come home

Wakhuluma kancane usebenz' emgodini
Commenting on someone who talks less and works hard in the mines

Bakutheth ngaephi mara
Asking where the boys have been

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: THOMEKI DUBE, LUCKY MOYO, SOTSHA MOYO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@brynmitchell5774

4y↑2

I was blessed to see Black Umfolosi Twice in the UK ,Middlewich Folk festival was the first time ...YAY . !

@makhoe1

10y↑1

Thank you thank you thank you. South Africa has a habit of feeling like a BigMac franchise. Nothing wrong with a BigMac, but I can't eat rice rice rice, as the saying goes. When all of a sudden I look up and remember. This is quality African inventiveness and mischief moves like. God bless.