Black Umfolosi Takes Zimbabwean Imbube Music to the United Kingdom With New Sukuma/Get Up EP

For more than 40 years, Black Umfolosi has proudly represented Zimbabwe through music, dance and cultural storytelling on some of the world’s biggest stages. The award-winning imbube group has built an international reputation by preserving traditional African music while introducing global audiences to Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. This July, the legendary ensemble is once again taking its unique sound abroad as it embarks on a month-long tour of the United Kingdom. The tour, which runs from July 4 to August 2, also marks the official launch of the group’s latest EP, Sukuma/Get Up. The project combines Black Umfolosi’s signature harmonies with powerful messages of peace, equality and unity, reinforcing the group’s long-standing commitment to using music as a force for positive change.

The United Kingdom tour represents another important milestone in a remarkable journey that began in 1982 at George Silundika High School. Black Umfolosi was founded by a group of friends who shared a passion for preserving and promoting traditional imbube music, a vocal style known for its rich harmonies and emotional storytelling. Over four decades later, founding member Sotsha Moyo remains the only original member still actively pursuing that dream. Although many of his former colleagues left over the years because of personal challenges or new opportunities, Moyo has remained dedicated to ensuring that the group’s original vision continues to thrive. His unwavering commitment has helped Black Umfolosi become one of Zimbabwe’s most recognised cultural ambassadors.

Throughout the upcoming tour, the group will perform in towns and cities across the United Kingdom, beginning in Southwell and concluding in Sidmouth. Audiences will experience Black Umfolosi’s celebrated blend of traditional imbube singing, energetic Zulu dance and vibrant gumboot dance performances. These performances have become the group’s trademark and have earned them loyal supporters across several continents. Their concerts go beyond entertainment by introducing audiences to Zimbabwean traditions, history and values through music and movement. Every performance serves as a celebration of African identity and the enduring power of cultural expression.

Joining Sotsha Moyo on the tour are Austin Chisare, Luzibo Moyo, Witness Dube, Thandeka Moyo and Zenzo Hlaseka. While Lulamile Moyo will remain in Zimbabwe due to prior commitments, her contribution to the group’s latest project remains significant. Sotsha expressed excitement about leading a younger generation of performers whose creativity and fresh ideas continue to strengthen the group’s future. He believes the new members have brought renewed energy while remaining faithful to the traditions that have defined Black Umfolosi for decades. This balance between experience and youthful innovation has allowed the group to remain relevant in an ever-changing music industry.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Black Umfolosi’s recent evolution has been the involvement of Sotsha Moyo’s daughters, Luzibo and Lulamile. Having grown up watching their father perform around the world, both daughters eventually chose to become part of the musical journey themselves. Sotsha described working alongside his children as one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. He praised them as gifted singers, dancers and songwriters whose talents have introduced fresh creative perspectives to the group’s music. Although only Luzibo will travel to the United Kingdom, both daughters play leading roles on the newly released Sukuma/Get Up EP.

The Sukuma/Get Up EP represents both a continuation of Black Umfolosi’s musical heritage and an exciting new chapter for the group. According to Sotsha Moyo, the collection of songs encourages people to live together in peace, share the world’s resources fairly and embrace harmony regardless of their differences. These universal themes reflect the group’s belief that music has the power to unite communities across cultures and generations. The project combines traditional imbube harmonies with the voices and creative ideas of younger performers, demonstrating how cultural traditions can evolve while remaining authentic. This blend of heritage and innovation gives the EP broad appeal for both longtime supporters and new listeners.

The production of Sukuma/Get Up also reflects Black Umfolosi’s growing international collaborations. The EP was mixed and mastered by Scotland-based producer and sound engineer Andrew “Blackie” Black, whom the group first met during their United Kingdom tour in 2024. Their professional relationship developed after Black worked as the sound engineer for one of the group’s performances in Scotland. Impressed by his understanding of their music, Black Umfolosi invited him to help produce the new project. According to Sotsha, the collaboration resulted in a polished recording that successfully captured the spirit and authenticity of the group’s sound.

Black Umfolosi’s influence extends far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Over the past four decades, the group has performed across Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australia, becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most travelled musical ensembles. Their performances have consistently introduced international audiences to Zimbabwean culture while demonstrating the richness of traditional African music. Despite their global success, the group remains firmly committed to preserving imbube music for future generations. Sotsha takes great pride in seeing many young groups embracing the genre, describing the growing interest as proof that the movement to revive traditional imbube music continues to gain momentum.

As Black Umfolosi prepares to perform across the United Kingdom once again, the tour represents far more than a series of concerts. It is another opportunity to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage while sharing timeless messages of peace, unity and equality with audiences around the world. More than 40 years after a group of school friends first came together with a shared dream, Black Umfolosi continues to inspire new generations through its music, dedication and cultural pride. The launch of Sukuma/Get Up demonstrates that traditional music can remain relevant while addressing modern social values and global challenges. Through every performance, the group continues to prove that preserving cultural heritage and embracing new ideas can go hand in hand, ensuring that the spirit of imbube music will continue to resonate for many years to come.