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Umxhentso is the traditional dancing of Xhosa people performed mostly by Amagqirha, the traditional healers/Sangoma.Ukuxhentsa-Dancing has always been a source of pride to the Xhosas as they use this type of dancing in their ceremonies.
Mantombi Matotiyana is a renowned South African musician, composer, and master of traditional Xhosa instruments, umrhubhe musical bow (mouth-resonated bow), uhadi (gourd-resonated bow), and isitolotolo . Her music is deeply connected to the Xhosa musical traditions, and her performances have made her a significant figure in South African ...
Xhosa overtone singing is based on Xhosa bow instruments such as the 'umrhube' and 'uhadi' which are the two fundamental sounds in Xhosa music. Xhosa traditional musicians imitate the sounds of their musical bows using their voices through the maneuvering of their tongues and shaping of the mouth cavity.
The Xhosa title literally means "knock-knock beetle", which is a popular name for various species of darkling beetles that make a distinctive knocking sound by tapping their abdomens on the ground. These beetles are believed by the Xhosa to bring good luck and rain.
The Xhosa culture has a traditional dress code informed by the individuals social standing portraying different stages of life. The 'red blanket people' (Xhosa people) have a custom of wearing red blankets dyed with red ochre, the intensity of the colour varying from tribe to tribe.
The umrhubhe is now used in music education as part of ensemble performances alongside other traditional instruments, such as the uhadi and isitolotolo. For example, at Walter Sisulu University, songs like "Mafeda" are taught to students as part of ensemble performances, providing opportunities to engage with Xhosa musical traditions. [2]
Xhosa women in traditional Xhosa attire performing. Traditional Xhosa songs are in a call-and-response form. The song leader leads the song by singing the "call", and the rest of the people respond to the call in song. The song leader also chooses the songs to be sung, and helps structure and organise the different traditional ceremonies.
An imbongi (plural iimbongi), or a Xhosa praise poet, is a member of the Xhosa community who performs ceremonial activities at important events. An imbongi is traditionally a male who recites emotive poetry, sings, explains family relationships, re-tells historical events and comments on current affairs.