Imbongi

Imbongi

The Xhosa Imbongi is an official attached to the court of a Chief whose profession it is to record the praise-names, victories and laudable characteristics of the Chief. These praises, called Izibongo, were recited in a high pitched voice and vigorous performance at public occasions. Their attire often includes animal skins, a head-dress of animal bladders or beads, a long sharp stick and shield may be carried as accessories. In contemporary society many imbongi have aligned themselves with political parties or trade unions where they comment on the proposed action, policies of the organisations. Examples are Sitholi, A.T. Qabula. Keywords: Praise poet, political commentary. (See Coplan, Opland, Larlham, Kashula, 1993, et al.) (Referred to in English as Praise Poetry and Praise Poets. See also Inyanga for the Zulu tradition) Imbongi. (Also izimbongi, see izi- below) [+ + + Xhosa for a praise-singer. ???*** The Imbongi is an official attached to the court of a Chief whose profession it is to record the praise-names, victories and laudable characteristics of the Chief. The praises, known as Izibongo (= "praise poems") were recited in a high pitched voice and vigorous performance at public occasions. (See also Izibongo.)

Izibongo

The Xhosa name for the traditional praise songs (or praise poetry) performed /sung by the imbongi (praise poet, plural: izimbongi) of a particular clan or leader. The poem is broken up into short phrases which may be uttered in a single breath. There is a marked emphasis of the penultimate syllable of each word, with a pause giving added emphasis to the penultimate syllable of each line. There is often elision of final vowels. This gives these poems a stately rythm and dramatic power. Dramatic and forceful imagery, with allusions to people and events in the past are important characteristics of the form. Puns are not infrequent. The language is often intensely idiomatic and therefore very difficult to translate. In 1994 Zolani Mkhiva was formally inaugurated as South Africa’s imbongi yeSizwe [‘people’s poet”], a title previously and informally claimed by the controversial “people’s poet” and singer Mzwakhe Mbuli, and delivered an izibongo to the new state and another to the new President, Nelson Mandela. (See Loren Kruger, 1999; Russel Kashula, 1993.)

See also the Sotho Lithoko or Sefela, the Zulu ***

Izibongelo

A term utilized by H.I.E. Dhlomo to describe the dramatic form and function of the izibongo in contemporary twentieth century South African theatre. ** (Kruger, 1999)

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