Ubuhle Bembali

In South Africa, workers who have travelled to find jobs in urban areas are grouped together into gigantic hostels. Madala, built near Johannesburg in 1948, houses more than four thousand single Zulu men. In every hostel, groups of musicians set up bands. Competitions are organised regularly, reflecting an essential aspect of traditional Zulu culture. Bethwel Mhlongo and the three musicians in his group, Ubuhle Bembali (The Flowers’ Beauty) transpose their life experiences through their music and dance.