Black Umfolosi

Contact Details:

Courthouse Street, Otley, LS21 3AN

01943467466

Leeds Inspired

Black Umfolosi

10th July 2026

Black Umfolosi draw on the traditional song and dance of southern Africa to create performances full of energy, precision and spirit. Their shows combine rich vocal harmonies with intricate rhythms, clapping and clicking, alongside dynamic choreography that moves from gentle, expressive moments to powerful stomping and leaping.

A highlight of the performance is their renowned Gumboot Dance, rooted in the rituals of South African mining communities. Formed in 1982 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the group are named after the Umfolozi Omnyama River, linked to their ancestral heritage.

Celebrated as cultural ambassadors for Zimbabwe, Black Umfolosi have toured internationally, captivating audiences with performances that communicate joy, passion and tradition.