MUSIC
GRADE 12
PAPER 1
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
SEPTEMBER 2017
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
MARKING GRID
SECTION | QUESTION | MARKS | MARKER | MODERATOR |
A: THEORY OF MUSIC (COMPULSORY) | 1 | 20 | ||
2 | 15 | |||
3 | 10 | |||
4 | 15 | |||
SUBTOTAL | 60 | |||
AND | ||||
B: GENERAL MUSIC KNOWLEDGE (COMPULSORY) | 5 | 20 | ||
SUBTOTAL | 20 | |||
AND | ||||
C: WAM | 6 | 10 | ||
7 | 5 | |||
8 | 5 | |||
9 | 5 | |||
10 | 15 | |||
SUBTOTAL | 40 | |||
OR | ||||
D: JAZZ | 11 | 10 | ||
12 | 5 | |||
13 | 5 | |||
14 | 5 | |||
15 | 15 | |||
SUBTOTAL | 40 | |||
OR | ||||
E: IAM | 16 | 10 | ||
17 | 5 | |||
18 | 5 | |||
19 | 5 | |||
20 | 15 | |||
SUBTOTAL | 40 | |||
GRAND TOTAL | 120 |
SECTION A: THEORY OF MUSIC (COMPULSORY) (90 minutes)
Answer QUESTION 1
AND QUESTION 2.1 OR 2.2
AND QUESTION 3.1 OR 3.2
AND QUESTION 4.1 OR 4.2
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided on this question paper.
1. Study the Prelude from Op.28. No. 4 by Chopin below and answer the questions that follow.
1.1 Name the relative key of the piece.
Answer:
G major/G = 1 mark |
1.2 What does the abbreviation “Op.” stand for?
Answer:
1.3 Give the English meaning for the term “Largo”.
Answer:
1.4 Identify the intervals marked (i) and (ii) complete according to type and distance.
Answer:
Diminished 5th = 1 mark |
1.5 Invert the interval at (i) and write its correct description underneath it.
Answer:
Augmented 4th = 1 mark |
1.6 Name the triad marked (iii) according to type and inversion. Re-write it in root position, using semibreves.
Answer:
Minor triad = 1 mark |
1.7
1.7.1 Transpose the violin part of bar 17 for Clarinet in B-flat. Insert the new key signature.
Answer:
Correct key signature = 1 mark |
1.7.2 Rewrite the violin part of bar 18 in double the note values. Insert the new time signature.
Answer:
(3)
Correct time signature= 1 mark |
1.8 Identify the compositional technique used to change (iv).
Answer:
(1)
1.9 1
9.1 Write the E Blues scale ascending, without key signature, in the tenor clef.
Answer:
(2)
Correct clef = 1 mark |
1.9.2 Write the G wholetone scale descending in the alto clef.
Answer:
(2)
Correct clef = 1 mark |
[20]
QUESTION 2 (25 minutes) Answer EITHER QUESTION 2.1 OR QUESTION 2.2.
2.1 Using the opening motif, complete a twelve-bar melody in ternary form for any single-line melodic instrument of your choice. Indicate the instrument for which you are writing, adding dynamics, tempo indication and articulation marks.
Instrument: Flute/ Recorder/Violin/Guitar/Saxophone/Clarinet/Trumpet (Any suitable instrument NOT PIANO.)
Concept answer:
OR
2.2 Use the opening motif below to complete a twelve-bar melody in ternary form for any single-line melodic instrument of your choice. Indicate the instrument for which you are writing and add tempo, dynamic and articulation marks.
Instrument: Cello/Double Bass/Trombone
(Any suitable instrument NOT PIANO.)
Concept answer:
The melody will be marked according to the following criteria:
DESCRIPTION | MARK ALLOCATION | ||
Form and cadential points | 1 mark per phrase x 3 | 3 | |
Correctness | Minus ½ mark per error up to 2 marks | 2 | |
Quality
| 9–10 | Excellent | 10 |
7–8 | Good | ||
4–6 | Average | ||
0–3 | Not acceptable | ||
TOTAL | Markers may use ½ marks | 15 |
QUESTION 3 (10 minutes)
ANSWER EITHER QUESTION 3.1 OR QUESTION 3.2.
3.1 Study the extract Der Span auf den Wellen from Op. 17 No. 7 by Jean Sibelius below and answer the questions that follow.
Answer:
3.1.1 Name the key of the first section of the piece.
Answer:
Ab major/Ab = 1 mark |
3.1.2 Name the relative key of the second section of the piece.
Answer:
d minor/d = 1 mark |
3.1.3 Identify the cadence on which the piece ends and write the chords of the cadence, e.g. Interrupted cadence: V – VI.
Answer:
Perfect cadence/perf. cadence = 1 mark |
3.1.4 Choose the correct answer for the compositional technique that appears regularly in the melody.
Answer:
(1)
3.1.5 Figure the chords at (a), (b) and (c) complete using Roman numbers, e.g. G: V (or Va) OR chord symbols, e.g. D.
Answer:
1 mark per chord |
3.1.6 Name the type of non-chordal notes at (d) and (e):
Answer:
(d) Accented passing note (1)
(e) Unaccented passing note (1)
Accented/unaccented = ½ mark |
[10]
OR
3.2 Study the extract below from 15 Easy Pieces for Piano by D. Valeras and answer the questions that follow.
3.2.1 Name the key of the piece.
Answer:
F major/F = 1 mark |
3.2.2 Identify the chords (a) to (e) and number them correctly below. Use chord symbols, e.g. C/E.
Answer:
1 mark per chord = 5 marks |
3.2.3 Name the type of non-chordal notes at (i) and (ii).
Answer:
2 correct answers 1 mark each = 2 marks No ½ marks will be given |
3.2.4 Name the cadence at the end of the piece. Identify the cadence by adding the correct chord symbols.
Answer:
Perfect = 1 mark Chords = 1 mark |
[10]
QUESTION 4 (30 minutes)
ANSWER EITHER QUESTION 4.1 OR QUESTION 4.2.
4.1 Complete the four-part vocal harmonisation below by adding the alto, tenor and bass parts. Use at least ONE non-chordal note in the added parts.
Concept answer:
The harmonisation will be marked according to the following criteria:
DESCRIPTION | MARK ALLOCATION | ||
Chord progression | 1 mark between each pair of chords (except between beat 1 and 2 of bar 4). | 14 | |
Correctness | Minus ½ mark per error, but not more than 1 mark per chord. | 16 | |
Quality |
| 9–10 7–8 5–6 3–4 0–2 | 10 |
Note to marker: | 40 (÷ 8 x 3) | ||
TOTAL: | 15 |
Candidates must be credited for a different/creative and correct harmonisation not given in the memorandum. The figuring serves as a guide for the marker, but no marks are allocated for the symbols as such.
[15]
OR
4.2 Complete the piece below by adding suitable harmonic material in the bass clef. Ensure that you continue to write in the given style.
Concept answer:
15 marks for correctness
15 marks for progression
The harmonisation will be marked according to the following criteria:
DESCRIPTION | MARK ALLOCATION | ||
Chord progression | 1 mark between each pair of chords | 15 | |
Correctness | Minus ½ mark per error, but not more than 1 mark per chord. | 15 | |
Quality |
| 9 – 10 7 – 8 5 – 6 3 – 4 0–2 | 10 |
Note to marker: | 40 (÷ 8 x 3) | ||
TOTAL: | 15 |
Candidates must be credited for a different/ creative and correct harmonisation not given in the memorandum. The figuring serves as a guide for the marker, but no marks are allocated for the symbols as such.
[15]
TOTAL SECTION A: 60
SECTIONS B, C, D, E: GENERAL MUSIC KNOWLEDGE (90 minutes)
Answer SECTION B
AND SECTION C (Western Art Music)
OR SECTION D (Jazz)
OR SECTION E (Indigenous African Music)
Answer these in the ANSWER BOOK provided.
Note to marker: One mark will be allocated for each correct fact. Candidates must be credited for any correct answer not given in this memorandum. |
SECTION B: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (COMPULSORY)
QUESTION 5
5.1 Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 5.1.12 E.
5.1.1 C
5.1.2 A
5.1.3 C
5.1.4 D
5.1.5 D
5.1.6 A
5.1.7 D
5.1.8 B
5.1.9 C
5.1.10 B (10)
1 mark for each correct answer = 10 marks |
5.2 Answer the following questions.
5.2.1 Describe shortly what the music industry entails.
Correct answer = 1 mark |
5.2.2 Define needletime rights.
Correct answer =1 mark |
5.2.3 Give a short description on how music royalties work.
Any 2 correct facts = 2 marks |
5.2.4 How many years must lapse after the death of a composer, for his/her works to become public domain, unless the copyright is renewed by family?
Correct answer = 1 mark |
5.3 Give the Italian term for the following description:
5.3.1 To play a specific passage of music with fire and vehement energy.
Correct answer = 1 mark |
5.4 Name TWO very specific style characteristics of the music of Beethoven.
Any 2 correct facts = 2 marks |
5.5 Describe the difference between sonata and sonata form.
1 fact for sonata form = 1 mark |
TOTAL SECTION B: 20
Answer SECTION C (WAM)
OR SECTION D (JAZZ)
OR SECTION E (IAM).
QUESTION 6
6.1 Define the following:
6.1.1 Grand opera
Any 2 correct facts = 2 marks |
6.1.2 The development of instrumentation in the Romantic era.
Any 2 correct facts = 2 marks |
6.1.3 Alberti bass
Correct answer = 1 mark |
6.2 What is the significance of the number three in Mozart’s opera, Die Zauberflöte?
Correct answer = 1 mark |
6.3 Name TWO examples which feature the number three in Die Zauberflöte.
Any 2 correct facts = 2 marks |
6.4 Describe ONE technique used to change the theme when composing in Theme and Variation style.
Any one correct fact = 1 mark |
6.5 Why is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 Opus 68 in F major different to other symphonies?
Any one correct fact = 1 mark |
[10]
QUESTION 7
7.1 Name THREE characteristics of the opera music of the Florentine Camerata.
1 mark each for any 3 correct facts = 3 marks |
7.2 One of the most important opera composers was Monteverdi. Explain th meaning of this statement.
1 mark for 2 correct facts = 2 marks |
[5]
QUESTION 8
8.1 Compare Singspiel with Music Drama. Name TWO differences and ONE similarity regarding the style types.
Similarities:
Differences:
Singspiel | Music Drama |
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1 similarity (correct fact) = 1 mark |
[5]
QUESTION 9
9.1 Write a short description about the significant elements of the second theme of “Fingal’s Cave” regarding the instrumentation.
1 mark for each correct fact = 5 marks |
QUESTION 10
Write an extensive article for your school newspaper regarding the FOURTH and FIFTH movements of Beethoven’s Symphony No 6, opus 68. Discuss, amongst other facts, the use of the instruments to show the events taking place in nature.
[15]
The essay will be marked according to the following criteria:
CRITERIA | MARK ALLOCATION | ||
Fourth movement: | 1 mark for each correct fact x 6 | 6 | |
Fifth movement: | 1 mark for each correct fact x 6 | 6 | |
Logical presentation and structure of the essay | Excellent | = 3 marks | 3 |
Good | = 2 marks | ||
Average | = 1½ marks | ||
Below average | = 1 mark | ||
Weak | = ½ mark | ||
Not acceptable | = 0 mark | ||
TOTAL: | 15 |
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
OR
SECTION D: JAZZ
QUESTION 11
11.1 Choose the correct answer from COLUMN B to match the statement/name in COLUMN A. Write only the correct matching letter (A–F) next to the question number in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 11.1.7 G.
11.1.1 E
11.1.2 D
11.1.3 F
11.1.4 B
11.1.5 A
11.1.6 C (6)
1 mark for each correct answer = 6 marks |
11.2 Name TWO similarities between Mbaqanga and Marabi.
2 correct facts = 2 marks |
11.3 With which instrument is Marabi associated?
1 mark for correct answer |
11.4 The “Merry Blackbirds” enjoyed playing the music of American ragtime, as well as written jazz arrangements. Name ONE artist whose arrangements they played.
Any correct answer = 1 mark |
[10]
QUESTION 12
12.1 Write a paragraph, describing the Marabi style of The Jazz Maniacs and their influence and contribution of Solomon Cele in the development of the style.
1 mark each for any 3 correct facts = 3 marks |
12.2 Describe New Jazz in a short paragraph and name ONE important artist of this style.
1 correct fact = 1 mark 1 |
[5]
QUESTION 13
13.1 What was the origin of Kwela music? How did Kwela influence the music scene in South Africa?
1 mark each for any 5 correct facts = 5 marks |
QUESTION 14
14.1 How did Jazz in exile influence the development of the music of South African musicians?
1 mark for any 5 correct answers = 5 marks |
QUESTION 15
Write a comprehensive essay on the music of ONE of the following South African artists:
You will be credited for the logical presentation of facts and the structure of your essay.
Miriam Makeba
She was born in 1932 in Johannesburg. Her full names were Zenzile Miriam Makeba and was nicknamed Mama Africa, She was a South African singer and civil rights activist, and was the 1st artist from Africa who popularised African music around the world. She sang in the choir of the Kilnerton Institute, Pretoria. Her 1st solo performance was at 15 before King George VI of England. Miriam had a daughter with her then first husband. She started her professional in the 1950’s with the Manhattan Brothers. Then she formed her own all- woman group, The Skylarks, and they sang a blend of jazz and traditional melodies. In 1956, she released the well-known “Pata Pata”. In 1959, she had a short-lived second marriage to Sonny Pillay. She starred in the anti apartheid document, Come back, Africa and this gave her a big break. It helped her win the female singing lead role in King Kong in 1959. It got her into hot water with the SA authorities when the director wanted her to present the film at the Venice Film Festival in 1959. Her incredible voice earned her the nickname, The Empress of African Song. She did not return to South Africa and took refuge in London, where she met Harry Belafonte and he helped her immigrate to America. In 1960, she wanted to attend her mother’s funeral, only to find out that her SA passport was cancelled. In the same year, she signed with RCA Victor and released her album “Miriam Makeba”. In 1962, Makeba and Belafonte sang at the birthday party of JF Kennedy. In 1963, she released her second album, “The world of Miriam Makeba”. During the latter part of 1963, Miriam testified against apartheid in SA before the UN and her music was banned in South Africa and her SA citizenship and her right to return to SA, was revoked. She stayed in the USA, but also had international passports from Guinea, Belgium and Ghana and so became a citizen of the world. She married Hugh Masakela in 1964, divorcing in 1966. She received a Grammy Award for Best Folk Song Recording with Belafonte in 1966 and the album was titled, An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba. This album dealt with political plight of black South Africans under apartheid. It presented traditional Zulu, Sotho and Swahili songs in a unique setting. Her fame and reputation grew; She released The Click Song (Qongqothwane) and Malaika. Her voice (tones, warmth) was compared to Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. She never wore make-up, never curled her hair and this hairstyle became known as the Afro. In 1967, 10 years after she wrote Pata Pata, it was recorded and released as a single in the USA and became an international hit.
Her marriage in 1968 to Stokely Carmichael (civil rights activist) caused great controversy. Her recording contracts and tours were cancelled and had her flee to Guinea; Here she stayed for the next 15 years. She separated from Carmichael in 1973 and continued to perform in Africa, Europe and Asia, but not in the USA due to a boycott. She was one of the main entertainers in 1974 at the match between Muhammed Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. In 1975, she addressed the UN for a 2nd time. In 1978, she divorced Carmichael and married an airline executive in 1980. During 1985, her daughter died and she moved to Belgium. She was Guinea’s official delegate to the UN and in 1986 won the Dag Hammerskjöld Peace Prize. In 1987, she returned to world prominence when she performed with Paul Simon on his Graceland album tour (thanks to Masakela). Warner Bros. Records signed her and she released Sangoma as a tribute to her mother who was a sangoma.
Her autobiography was published and also translated into Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Italian and Japanese. In 1988, she participated in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute at Wembley Stadium. This performance helped pressurise the SA government to release Mandela. In 1990, Mandela was released and during the same year, bans were reversed on the ANC and other anti-apartheid organisations and announced that Mandela would soon be released. In February 1990, he was released and Nelson Mandela persuaded her to return to South Africa, which she did in June 1990. In 1991, Makeba recorded Eyes on tomorrow, together with Gillespie, Nina Simone and Masakela; combination of jazz, R&B, pop, African music. Makeba and Masakela toured the world to promote the album. During 1991, she appeared on an episode of The Cosby Show. In 1992, she played the role of Angelina, the main character’s mother in Sarafina! In 1993, she released Sing me a Song. In 1999, she was nominated Goodwill Ambassador of the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation. In 2000, Homeland was nominated for a Grammy Award; It was called a love letter to Africa.
In 2001, the United Nations of Germany awarded her the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in Gold; she received her prize for the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf in 2002. Also in 2002, she participated in the documentary Amandla: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony. In 2004, Makeba was voted 38th in South Africa’s Top 100. She started her worldwide farewell tour in 2005. She fell ill after a performance in Italy in 2008 (singing Pata Pata), had a heart attack and could not be revived at the hospital.
Her style, characteristics and contribution:
She listened to traditional Xhosa and Zulu songs and quicly picked up on the languages. She also listened to music on the radio and gramophone records. She loved the music of Ella Fitzgerald. Her music was joyous, uplifting, soft-spoken and had a serious political message. She is a pioneer who blended styles such as blues, gospel, contemporary jazz, folk and traditional Xhosa. In 1987, her autobiography, Makeba: My Story, was published and translated into German, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. She showed a great versatility in many languages and settings, such as jazz and blues, yet she became known for singing in her native tongue and became known for the distinguishable explosive clicks.
She used many different styles in her music – English ballades, Portuguese fados, Brazilian bossa novas, Hebrew and Yiddish melodies, Italian chants and other folk and popular styles from around the world. She also received credit for bringing rhythm and spiritual sounds of Africa to the west. Her music is a mix of soulful jazz, blues and traditional African folk songs that had political overtones. The album, Eyes on tomorrow, had a commercial mix of pop, blues and jazz. Musicians on this album – Jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, Rhythm and blues singer Nina Simone, Hugh Masakela
Albums: Miriam Makeba, The Voice of Africa, Eyes on Tomorrow, Homeland (2000), Reflections (2004)
Hits: Pata Pata, The Click Song (Qongqothwane), Malaika, Mbube (Wimoweh)
OR
Josephine “Dolly” Rathebe (1928 – 2004)
She was born in 1928 in Randfontein and grew up in Sophiatown. Her career started when a talent scout for Gallo heard her sing. She was only 21 when she was the star of the film, “Jim comes to Joburg”. Her photoshoot in 1956 – posing in a bikini – added to her star status. She joined the African Inkspots group as singer, but her reputation preceded her and any group she sang with. She was a mentor for many a young musician, including Miriam Makeba, Thandi Klaassen and Dorothy Masuka. She never left the country during the “apartheid” years, even though the “aandklok” rule made it almost impossible for her to appear in public, especially when she was lead singer for The Elite Swingsters. Her association with this elite group secured her international reputation. They sang at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as South Africa’s first
democratically elected president. They also performed at Westminster Abby to celebrate South Africa’s return to the Commonwealth. She was awarded the South African “staatsorde” Ikhamanya in Silver for her amazing contribution to music and the performing arts and her dedication to the ideals of justice, freedom and democracy. Even though Rathebe was very successful, her family did not have the money to put a headstone on her grave. This was done in 2015 when a learner form Johannesburg started a project to honour her legacy.
OR
Thandi Klaassen (b. 1931)
Thandi Klaassen is a South African legend. Her career stretches over more than 50 years. She grew up in Sophiatown. Her longing to be a singer started when she attended a concert at her school by The Jazz Maniacs and Emily Kwenane. She started to sing in local churches and started her own quartet, The Quad Sisters. They were also the first female group to record in South Africa.
She was injured during her teenage years when acid was thrown in her face. She was in hospital for a year and her face was permanently maimed and it looked like her career as performer was doomed. She gained her confidence and carried on singing with Dolly Rathebe, Miriam Makeba and Dorothy Masuka. She was one of the role players when King Kong was performed and she even performed in London. After the play ended in London, she did not return to South Africa, but started performing internationally with Patti LaBelle and Roberta Flack. At the same time, she was building her reputation as an excellent jazz singer. She is now retired, but still performs at special occasions. While she was overseas, Thandi participated in anti-apartheid campaigns and continued with music that addressed the situation in her country. She received many awards, including “The Woman of Distinction” award in Canada (1999) and a “Lifetime Achievement Award” (12th MTN SAMA). She also received the “staatsorde” Boabab in Gold. She is well known for her Mbaqanga interpretations. As acknowledgement of her heritage, she also sings in e’Kasi, the folk dialect spoken in Sophiatown.
Thandi Klaassen suffered from pancreatic cancer and passed away on 15 January 2017, aged 86. She was given a state funeral. (15)
The essay will be marked according to the following criteria:
CRITERIA | MARK ALLOCATION | ||
Music characteristics | 1 mark for each correct fact x 5 | 5 | |
Origins and influence | 1 mark for each correct fact x 5 | 5 | |
Albums/songs | 1 mark for each correct fact x 2 | 2 | |
Logical presentation and structure of the essay | Excellent | = 3 marks | 3 |
Good | = 2 marks | ||
Average | = 1½ marks | ||
Below average | = 1 mark | ||
Weak | = ½ mark | ||
Not acceptable | = 0 mark | ||
TOTAL: | 15 |
TOTAL SECTION D: 40
OR
SECTION E: INDIGENUOUS AFRICAN MUSIC
QUESTION 16
16.1 Choose the correct answer from COLUMN B to match the item in COLUMN A. Write only the correct matching letter (A–F) next to the question number in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 16.1.6 F.
16.1.1 E
16.1.2 C
16.1.3 A
16.1.4 B
16.1.5 D (5)
1 mark for each correct answer = 5 marks |
16.2 What was the origin of the word “mbaqanga” and the symbolic meaning of it under musicians?
1 mark for each correct answer = 2 marks |
16.3 From which word is “Maskandi/Maskanda” derived?
Correct answer = 1 mark |
16.4 Explain the goal of Isicathamiya.
Correct answer = 1 mark |
16.5 What is the nickname of Philip Tabane?
Correct answer = 1 mark |
[10]
QUESTION 17
17.1 The saxophonist of the Makgona Tsohle Band, West Nkosi, played a different instrument and a different style at the start of his music career. Name the instrument and style. Also describe his path in music until 1963 when he and his band were stranded in Northern Rhodesia for 6 months.
1 mark each for any 5 correct facts = 5 marks |
QUESTION 18
18.1 Discuss the elements of music used by The Cool Crooners as part of their mix of Mbaqanga, as well as a short overview about the group.
1 mark each for any 5 correct facts = 5 marks |
QUESTION 19
19.1 There are two specific musical styles and structures in Maskandi/Maskanda music. The first is Izihlabo. Identify and describe the second style and its characteristics.
1 mark for naming the 2nd style = 1 mark |
19.2 How was the original Kiba style of music style changed to Free Kiba?
1 mark each for any 2 correct facts = 2 marks |
[5]
QUESTION 20
Isicathamiya is one of the oldest South African choir styles. Write a comprehensive essay on Isicathamiya, explaining this statement.
You will be credited for the logical presentation of facts and the structure of your essay.
Isicathamiya does not have a literal meaning, but is derived from the Zulu verb – cathama, which means to move or step carefully. Its tight choreographed dance moves include careful steps by walking on the toes. Traditionally it is an a cappella style of singing that developed from mbube, which is another style of singing associated with unaccompanied Zulu male choirs. Mbube means lion and this style is known for its deep, powerful male voices and loud singing. The goal is to reach a harmonious mix of voices (and not the roar of the lion). One of the most important mbube singers was Solomon Linda Ntsele. Together with his group, The Evening Stars, they received international recognition for the song “In the Jungle”/ The lion sleeps tonight.” This song cemented the close 4-part harmonic style associated with Isicathamiya.
Instruments: it is traditionally a cappella. As part of its commercialising, the groups started singing as pop music groups and would be accompanied by orchestral instruments and synthesisers. Due to the many renewing features of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and their international exposure, Isicathamiya is no longer just a local way of relaxing.
Musical style and structure: traditionally the lyrics are in Zulu and were nostalgic love songs. The songs were sung by the roaming workers, far from their own homes, families and loved ones. Themes of the texts started changing to actual every day realities like Aids, drugs and crime. The lyrics are also now being sung in English and Xhosa. Some musicians receive new songs in dreams from their forefathers.
Performance: consists of 3 elements:
Many isicathamiya groups have their music recorded for commercial purposes. Video recordings are also made and the choreography stays an important part of the performance.
Musicians: A very important group is Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Before the emergence of this group, competitions were held where 2 songs could be performed according to the competition rules. There was no money involved in the amateur competitions. Then Ladysmith Black Mambazo were formed, had the opportunity to perform with Paul Simon and received international recognition. This they used to focus the international attention on the local cultural product. Then Shabalala, Bongani Mthethwa and Paulos Msimango founded the South African Traditional Music Association to enhance isicathamiya as traditional music. After this, the nature of the competition changed. Better venues were used and there were financial prizes for the winners.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s members are all born-again Christians and they therefore became involved in Gospel music and even here they carried over the style of isicathamiya in their style of worship music. A good example of this shift/ change is “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”, which they recorded with Dolly Parton. Today isicathamiya is a well-recognised and performed South African style of music.
Other artists: The King Star Brothers, African Music Bombers, Dlamini King Brothers.
The essay will be marked according to the following criteria:
CRITERIA | MARK ALLOCATION | ||
Origin | 1 mark for each correct fact x 5 | 5 | |
Style characteristics | 1 mark for each correct fact x 5 | 5 | |
Artists and songs | 1 mark for each correct fact x 2 | 2 | |
Logical presentation and structure of the essay | Excellent | = 3 marks | 3 |
Good | = 2 marks | ||
Average | = 1½ marks | ||
Below average | = 1 mark | ||
Weak | = ½ mark | ||
Not acceptable | = 0 mark | ||
TOTAL: | 15 |
TOTAL SECTION E: 40
GRAND TOTAL 120