David Rycroft South Africa Collection

First Fruits Ceremony: amahubo (singular ihubo) song.

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  • Type

    sound

  • Duration

    00:33:17

  • Cultures

    Zulu

  • Shelf mark

    C811/40

  • Subjects

    Zulu folksongs and dance , ceremonial songs-Africa (Zulu) , amahubo (singular ihubo)

  • Recording date

    unknown

  • Recording locations

    South Africa

  • Recordist

    Rycroft, David, 1924-1997

  • Speakers

    Rycroft, David (narrator, male)

  • Description

    This is an example of an amahubo anthem sung by the loyal supporters of the AmaNgcobo chief, the amashoshozelo, during the Zulu Ukweshama/Umkhosi first fruits ceremony. This recording was taken from a ceremony held in a valley near the town of Pietersmaritzburg in KwaZulu Natal. Umlungisi Ngcobo is the chief of the AmaNgcobo clan. He goes into solitary confinement for three days during the five-day festival. He remains in his hut and abstains from food and communication with the outside world. During his confinement, he communicates with the amadlozi (ancestors). After three days his loyal supporters, the amashoshozelo arrive and sing the chief's praises and a special anthem for the spirits of the AmaNgcobo clan. These songs bring him out of his confinement.

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First Fruits Ceremony: amahubo (singular ihubo) song.

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