INTRODUCTION
The significance of music, sounds, and dance in South African culture played a significant role in society’s celebrations, communication, and the expression of identity. South African music incorporates dancing and musical elements that depict their feelings and way of life. This musical genre promotes African beliefs through many rituals set to song.
THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF AMAHUBO AKWAZULU ON THE SOCIETY
Amahubo in “plural form” and ihubo in “singular form,” composed by the Zulu people, are examples of Zulu praise songs or hymns. The word “ukuhuba” describes the spirit in which amahubo is sung during ceremonies; it simply means to sing while also connecting in a more profound desire to establish a connection with the ancestors/spirits. Amahubo is divided into three categories devised by music professor Musa Xulu. Amahubo esizwe is a solemn ceremonial anthem for the nation or a particular tribe, clan, or sibling. A war chant or song is called amahubo empi. A particular regiment’s regimental song is called Amahubo amabutho. Amahubo is a ceremonial song sung at weddings, funerals, wars, and other social events to unite the living and the dead.
The songs sung throughout various ceremonies that tell the event’s story can be found in the amahubo context. Amahubo empi was usually sung during the war between the Zulu and Great Britain, and it was sung by “amabutho”, warriors who wished to be united with their ancestors. Amahubo esizwe is also sung during specific tribe ceremonies like weddings and funerals, and “umemulo” is a ceremony when a girl reaches puberty stage.
Ihubo is a particular song the monarch would receive to mark the occasion. It may have been written for the wedding of “umkhwenyana,” the groom, and “umakoti,” the bride. When a daughter reaches puberty, her father may additionally give her the Ihubo symbol, signifying that his daughter has reached the age she is ready to marry.
WHY AMAHUBO AND OTHER INDIGENOUS MUSIC SHOULD BE PRESERVED
In Africa, almost everybody participates in music as a social activity. African values are highlighted through music, which includes melodies that depict various customs. Music is frequently played to mark important events like weddings, births, and rites of passage. Amahubo and Ihubo, when sung with a deeper meaning and understanding, signify a particular tribe and connect society to its ancestors.
According to Sibusiso Mjikeliso, a sport 24 news editor, Amagwijo is a Xhosa chant or a war cry that prepares them for any battle they face and unites them spiritually physically. It is well known or sung in rugby games and schools, especially in the Eastern Cape, which unites every race and rugby match.
CONCLUSION
Amahubo Akwazulurepresent identity, and it must be preserved for generations yet to come. The next generation can learn from it, teaching them their origins.
