IsiZulu Study Zooms in on Zulu Classical Music Themes

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Culture and heritage enthusiast, Ms Sindiswa Zulu, recently graduated with her BA Honours degree cum laude after refining themes found in the lyrics of Princess Magogo ka Dinuzulu’s songs.

Her study, titled: ‘Ukuhlaziya izindikimba emculweni woMntwana uMagogo’, explores the history, morals and values reflected in African society.

Princess Constance Magogo Sibilile Mantithi ka Dinuzulu was a musical artist and the sister of Prince Solomon ka Dinuzulu and Prince Mshiyeni ka Dinuzulu. She composed Zulu classical music and played traditional instruments such as the Ugubhu (a stringed bow with a calabash) and isithontolo (a bow instrument with a string bound to its middle), and was also a singer.

Zulu, whose research focuses on isiZulu studies, commends the University for fostering a transformative academic environment that enabled her to tell a compelling story in its original language, isiZulu. This was especially significant in her journey as an emerging language practitioner.

Drawing from Princess Magogo’s upbringing in the royal household, Zulu compares historical experiences with those of modern society. She explains, “As an artist, I view Princess Magogo as a great writer who used beautiful poetic devices in her music. I find her work informative, especially regarding her experiences of womanhood, royalty, and war. Through her music, we can draw meaningful comparisons to current social issues.”

The study demonstrates that the music is not only artistic but also educational, serving as oral documentation of the history and beliefs of the Zulu people. Her research contributes to the preservation and understanding of isiZulu cultural heritage through music. It also promotes academic recognition of African languages and highlights recurring themes such as identity, morality, and gender roles.

Zulu shared that she had to juggle work, research, and other modules, including directing, which required long hours of rehearsals with cast members in the Drama and Performance Studies Discipline.

“My personal obstacle was my father falling ill during the second semester. At one point, I told him it would be better to deregister, but he refused. He passed away in January this year. I am at peace knowing that he celebrated my cum laude when the results came out,” she said.

One of her highlights as an honours student was directing a play she wrote titled On the Other Side as part of an examination. According to Zulu, this platform exposed her to the practical aspects of her field. As both a language and performance student, she says this is a moment she will never forget, along with achieving a merit for the module.

Apart from the strong support she received from family and friends, Zulu emphasised the importance of discipline and being realistic about timeframes. “I believe one must communicate their priorities and not create expectations that cannot be met. Sometimes I would fall behind on deadlines and had to sacrifice sleep, knowing I would have time to rest in December,” she explained.

To her friends and family, she expressed her gratitude:
“Thank you so much for showing up for me. I hope you still have that capacity, as it is about to go down again. To my mother, who specifically requested a cum laude so she could ululate at the Graduation ceremony - thank you for believing in me so much.”

Zulu is currently pursuing her master’s degree in isiZulu. Her advice to her peers is to do everything possible to show up for their dreams. “If you oversleep, they never turn into reality. If you can, fill your social media algorithms with academic content - it helps you stay inspired.”

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini