Mighty Zulu Nation

Mighty Zulu Nation

From KwaZulu Natal to the world's stage, rekindling the spark of Zulu culture and heritage through traditional drama, song and dance.

Zulu - In the Jungle from Ian Kenton on Vimeo.

Listen:Induku (Maskandi - traditional Zulu) ** Kumnandi (African Gospel)
Shosholoza (Traditional African) ** Ndawo Yam (African Gospel)

"ZULU Tradition really helped to bring the South Africa theme and atmosphere to our event. They got the audience engaged with the music and really brought the evening alive, whilst being extremely flexible with our timings and requirements. I would highly recommend Zulu Tradition to other event organisers and will definitely keep them in mind for all future events." Suzanne Ryder Richardson for British Red Cross event at South African High Commission

Imagine a youthful, mixed gender, Ladysmith Black Mambazo with high kicks. ZULU is company of genuine young Zulu singers and dancers who deliver a heady mix of African harmonies (traditional songs as well as Afro-Gospel) and high-energy, athletic dance - all traditionally costumed and with drum-rhythms. Their stage shows are exciting, enthralling and hugely entertaining and they attract enthusiastic audiences.

'I have just been to a fantastic gig at Quarndon Church Hall with Zulu and my mind is now racing of how to get to see them again and also bring them to my kids' primary school.' - Sally Wallwin

"Just wanted to say a big thank you to the Zulu stars, Thandanani, Zama, Mzwandile, Buhle, Khethukuthula and Paul for their wonderful performances for the public during Mandela Day at the British Museum. Many thanks especially for being so generous with theirr time toallow the visitors to be photographed with them." - Hilary Williams, The British Museum, London.

This new and vibrant company of Zulus reaches back into the past to preserves ancient skills while stretching forwards to contemporary Africa. Direct from Durban in KwaZulu Natal, individual members of ZULU have performed in the UK and abroad, including special events for the Queen and for Nelson Mandela. They hit national TV in the UK and in South Africa when performing for the first officially sanctioned Mandela Day at the British Museum in July 2010.

They are not only great concert performers, but also excellent communicators who can deliver outdoor performances for special events, festivals, summer-seasons, galas. During term-time they offer a range of educational workshops for young people of all ages and abilities.

Zulu at Wallingford Bunkfest
(Photo by Dave Hemming)

They are excellent communicators who excel in daytime outdoor performances for special events, festivals, summer-seasons, galas (and have even been invited to perform at weddings). They also play festival, theatre and arts centre concerts. During term-time they offer a range of educational workshops for young people of all ages and abilities and do workshop days in schools all over the country.

A typical show from ZULU encompasses: Maskandi (indigenous Zulu music); afro-jazz as well as traditional song & dance compilations comprising of Zulu psalms (AMAHUBO); traditional songs (AMACULO ESINTU); and various genres of traditional dance (i.e. iINGOMA, UMZANSI, ISIGENYANE, NENDLAMU) plus dramatisation; visual arts and African beadwork. They place great value on the oral relaying of information from the older generation to the youngest (UKUTHAMUNDWA).

ZULU Tradition , is also an educational company grounded firmly in the curriculum of Africa's rich history and the established paradigms of Zulu philosophy.

Choosing peace is not an act of cowardice, but the manifestation of wisdom.

ZULU's 2010 schedule included the British Museum for Mandela Day, Wickam Festival (Hampshire), Saltburn Folk Festival, Derby Tradition Festival, Birdsedge Village Festival, Wallingford Festival, the Platform Morecambe, the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, Landmark Arts Teddington and many more.

In 2011 they are scheduled for more theatre and festival appearances, including venues like the Mill Arts in Banbury, the Square Chapel Arts in Halifax, plus community concerts for Live and Local in Derbyshire and Staffordshire and the Shindig touing Scheme in Worcestershire..

Individually the Zulus are hugely talented, right across the spectrum of traditional entertainment, though each has their own particular strengths in drumming, dance, song or drama. See the cast page for details of individuals.

Bongi Gwala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(photo's of Bongi and Buhle by Kyle Zawada). . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buhle Mhlongo
Despite their extensive work at outdoor events during the warmer weather, the performers of ZULU Tradition are no stangers to the big stage. With tours to Europe and Russia under their collective belts, plus concerts in the UK, they have taken their Zulu culture to many audiences. Individually and collectively they have graced many stages as significant parts of larger productions.