‘Shosholoza’ is an Nguni song sung by the gold miners in South Africa. It is a mixture of Zulu and Ndebele words and was performed by the miners in a call and response style. ‘Shosholoza’ is so popular that it is seen as Soth Africa’s second language with one of the more popular recordings being by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. In my arrangement I wanted to create a ‘soundscape,’ with the morning sun starting to rise over an arid landscape. Lots of slapping knees for the train rhythms! Click on the score below to listen to Copious Notes’ performance in St. George’s Church, Nailsworth, in 2016.
