Singing songs of hardship from Bulawayo on the Quantocks

ALL the way from Bulawayo, in Zimbabwe, to the foothills of the Quantock Hills - that is the journey made by Umdumo WeSizwe (pictured) to share their songs of love, hope, worship, courtship, hardship, and African social commentary.
Umdumo WeSizwe will be perfoming in Holford Village Hall on Friday, November 14, mesmerising the audience with their harmonies, tip-toe dance routines, and vocal music that is laced with music styles of Afro pop, jazz, R&B, and reggae.
Established in 1994, Umdumo WeSizwe (meaning Sound of the Nation), hail from Zimbabwe’s township.
They have been championed by groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Black Umfolosi, and their performances should be a real treat for Somerset villagers.
Some residents of Holford will gain even more from this cross-cultural event, as they will be hosting all 11 members of the company within homes in their communities.
The event is being hosted by Somerset arts development agency Take Art: Live through its village performance scheme.
Take Art spokesperson Becci Davis said: “Fresh, young, exuberant, and ready to touch the world, come and enjoy an evening with Umdumo Wesizwe that is guaranteed to chase away any thoughts of winter.”
Tickets for the performance can be booked by calling Holford Village Hall box office on 01278 741541.
More information on the Take Art: Live scheme is available by calling 01460 249450 or emailing becci@takeart.org, or visiting the website www.takeart.org.
For more information on Umdumo WeSizwe, visit www.umdumowesizwe.com.