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The British Library Bringing knowledge to life: The British Library Annual Report and Accounts 2007/08

Zulu street guitar music

A sample of Zulu street guitar music from South Africa - Ma Wenobaba (Mother and Father). Recording by Janet Topp Fargion and Albert Nene.

The discovery of gold and diamonds in South Africa in the late 19th century attracted large numbers of African workers. In this new urban environment music previously played on Zulu musical bows was transferred to the guitar and often the concertina and violin.

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