Unexpected structural problems in the roof of St Michael and All Angels Church meant the Voices of Africa concert featuring world famous Zimbabwe group The Black Umfolosi 5 could no longer be performed there in complete safety.

At short notice, Cherry Burton Arts has now offered to stage the show at Cherry Burton Village Hall on the same date, Saturday June 6, at 8pm.

The group is about to tour the UK and Norway and is delighted that the show can go on. Its members are looking forward to meeting friends old and new at the performance. While in the area, they will also be leading workshops for schools in Tickton, Brandesburton, Driffield and Beverley.

The Black Umfolosi 5’s accapella performances are hugely energetic, mixing a gentleness of spirit and song with an exuberance in dance. Their trademark harmonies mixed with intricate rhythms, clicking and clapping are highlighted during their brilliantly choreographed shows. Their famous gumboot dances, performed recently on the Paul O’Grady show, showcase the traditional styles and rituals of the South African mining regions and are a particular crowd pleaser.

Their experiences in the troubled area around their base in Bulawayo would be inspirational enough for most songwriters, however with their usual optimism the group prefers to sing of the joys of life.

Most tracks on the group’s recent album were penned by Thomeki Dube and Sotsha Moyo, the two original members of the group and the driving force behind Black Umfolosi’s continuing success. As schoolfriends they formed the group in 1982 and named it after the Umfolozi Omnyama River in South Africa, to where their ancestors can b e traces.

Cherry Burton Arts organiser Jayne Scott said: “These are seriously nice people and amazing live performers. When we heard the church had problems we didn’t hesitate in taking this on board, we are very pleased to see them back again.”

Support is from Holly Taymar.



Tickets cost £10 and are available in advance from Beverley Tourist Information and Costcutter at Cherry Burton. For telephone reservations or information, please ring 01964 551257.