- The Princess Magogo Musical Amahubo Development project teaches young people the Zulu hymns Princess Magogo composed as royal prayers for the Zulu nation.
- Nquthu Local Municipality, the Buthelezi family and the Zulu royal family launched the youth project at eNcome Museum on 21 November.
Young people in Nquthu are getting a rare chance to learn the emotional Zulu hymns once sung by Princess Constance Magogo kaDinuzulu.
The new programme, called Princess Magogo Musical Amahubo Development, was launched at the eNcome Museum on Saturday, 21 November. The date also marks the day she died in 1984.
Families, musicians and leaders gathered to honour the princess, who was known across Africa for her powerful voice and her deep knowledge of traditional Zulu music.
The event was organised by Nquthu Local Municipality in partnership with the Buthelezi family and the Zulu royal family.
The municipality appointed musician and actor Mbuso Khoza to lead the project. He said the goal is to help young people learn amabhubo, the traditional hymns Princess Magogo performed for the Zulu nation.
“We are honouring her by bringing back amabhubo, which she composed as prayers for the Zulu nation,” said Khoza. “These hymns are powerful and emotional, just like religious hymns in other cultures. We are working with young people to make sure this part of our culture does not disappear.”
Princess Magogo was born in 1900. She was the mother of Inkatha Freedom Party founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the granddaughter of King Cetshwayo and the great-granddaughter of King Dingane.
Her music included old Zulu songs believed to date back to the time of King Shaka, as well as her own compositions. Her work was first recorded in 1939 by Dr Hugh Tracey and later by the South African Broadcasting Corporation and German radio.
In 2003, former president Thabo Mbeki awarded her the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold for her contribution to music. She also helped guide other musicians, including the late Busi Mhlongo.
Now, the new project hopes to pass her legacy to today’s young artists.
Pictured above: Princess Constance Magogo kaDinuzulu is being honoured with a new youth music project
Image source: SAHO
