Princess Magogo
Encyclopedia
Princess Constance Magogo Sibilile Mantithi Ngangezinye kaDinuzulu (1900 - 1984) was a Zulu Princess and artist, and mother to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi
, Inkatha Freedom Party
leader.
Princess Magogo was born in 1900, the daughter of the Zulu King, Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo (1868 - 1913) and Queen Silomo. In 1926 she married Chief Mathole Buthelezi. Princess Magogo composed Zulu classical music
and was gifted in playing ugubhu, (a stringed bow and a calabash instrument) and isithontolo (a musical instrument which is like a bow which has a string bound down to the middle of the bow) and was also a singer. Despite being raised in a culture then oppressive to women the Princess continued her music after marriage. This enabled her to contribute in the development of traditional music. Through the training of many young singers she made an unprecedented contribution to the preservation of traditional music.
As imbongi (praise singer) she transcended the boundaries of this role, which was traditionally a male preserve, to lament on her marriage and the lives of especially the Zulu people. Her career gained momentum in 1939 with a recording of some of her performances by Hugh Tracey
. In making public appearances the Princess again broke custom, maintaining her dedication to music. By the 1950s, her music was widely recorded and played by the South African Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC), David Rycroft and West German Radio. These recordings afforded Magogo an international audience and recognition. Her work was made largely from existing Zulu songs and folktales, and she extended them into music accompanied by the ugubhu.
In December 2003 she was posthumously awarded the South African National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold
for a life of prolific musical composition, and an outstanding contribution to the preservation and development of traditional music in South Africa
.
Mangosuthu Buthelezi
Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi is a South African Zulu politician who founded the Inkatha Freedom Party in 1975 and continues to lead the party today.His praise name is Shenge.-Early life:...
, Inkatha Freedom Party
Inkatha Freedom Party
The Inkatha Freedom Party is a political party in South Africa. Since its founding, it has been led by Mangosuthu Buthelezi. It is currently the fourth largest party in the National Assembly of South Africa.-History:...
leader.
Princess Magogo was born in 1900, the daughter of the Zulu King, Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo (1868 - 1913) and Queen Silomo. In 1926 she married Chief Mathole Buthelezi. Princess Magogo composed Zulu classical music
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
and was gifted in playing ugubhu, (a stringed bow and a calabash instrument) and isithontolo (a musical instrument which is like a bow which has a string bound down to the middle of the bow) and was also a singer. Despite being raised in a culture then oppressive to women the Princess continued her music after marriage. This enabled her to contribute in the development of traditional music. Through the training of many young singers she made an unprecedented contribution to the preservation of traditional music.
As imbongi (praise singer) she transcended the boundaries of this role, which was traditionally a male preserve, to lament on her marriage and the lives of especially the Zulu people. Her career gained momentum in 1939 with a recording of some of her performances by Hugh Tracey
Hugh Tracey
Hugh Tracey was an important twentieth century ethnomusicologist. He and his wife collected and archived music from Southern and Central Africa. He began making field recordings of music in the early 20's, through the 70's....
. In making public appearances the Princess again broke custom, maintaining her dedication to music. By the 1950s, her music was widely recorded and played by the South African Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC), David Rycroft and West German Radio. These recordings afforded Magogo an international audience and recognition. Her work was made largely from existing Zulu songs and folktales, and she extended them into music accompanied by the ugubhu.
In December 2003 she was posthumously awarded the South African National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold
Order of Ikhamanga
The Order of Ikhamanga is a South African honour. It was instituted on 30 November 2003 and is granted by the President of South Africa for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sports...
for a life of prolific musical composition, and an outstanding contribution to the preservation and development of traditional music in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
.
Sources
- Mahatey, N. (2004). Highest Honour: South African National Orders, Pretoria: Chancery of Orders, The Presidency, p. 102.
- Constance Buthelezi on "African Composers"
- http://www.chfestival.org/publications/Princess_Magogo_Study_Guide.pdf
- http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/states/southafrica/zulu.html