Shosholoza means 'progress' in the Zulu language. For the German SWR Big Band, this meant an excursion to traditional South African music. First the orchestra and the choir had to be connected to each other and then be supplemented with drummers and other musicians in order to make the heartbeat of modern South Africa resound. Themba Mkhize, one of the most famous South African composers and musicians,
… was the right person to make this alliance. The first thing that strikes you about ShoSholoza is that all musical parts are perfectly balanced. The orchestra never shouts out traditional South African musicians and positions itself in an accompanying role rather than taking the lead. Besides well known South African songs like Pata, Pata and Mbube (The Lion Sleept Tonight) the company also takes the time for less popular pieces. (AD)more