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A close-up on some of South Africa’s indigenous instruments

23 September 2022 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo iFlair Photography

According to Dr Absolum Nkosi, Senior Lecturer in the Odeion School of Music at the University of the Free State (UFS), “ancient traditional instruments form part of the African heritage”. As such, with Heritage Day upon us, it is imperative to highlight these South African indigenous musical instruments.

Some of the most prominent South African musical instruments currently in the possession of the UFS, include uhadi and umakhoyane, also referred to as ugubhu. At first glance, one would think that these instruments are the same. This would not be an incorrect assumption. In fact, these instruments share similarities in terms of purpose and how they have been used throughout their existence.

Similarities and differences between the instruments

For instance, both uhadi and umakhoyane (ugubhu) are instruments traditionally played by women. Dr Nkosi maintains that songs accompanied by any of these instruments are usually personal, as they cover topics such as love, family, and relationships. Furthermore, the songs that were sung with the assistance of these instruments, were also about a reflection of the individual’s mental state. As such, the fact that both instruments have a very soft sound aided in that reflective process.

However, there are key variations between these instruments. Uhadi is a single-string acoustic bow affiliated with the Xhosa tribe, whereas umakhoyane is a single-string acoustic bow affiliated with the Zulu tribe. In addition, umakhoyane possesses a bridge in the middle that uhadi does not. Furthermore, there is also a difference in the sound produced by the two instruments. “Uhadi produces one sound when it is played with the string openly without touching it; you can then get the second sound by pinching and releasing the string using the index finger and a thumb. However, umakhoyane produces two notes when playing the string on the upper and the lower level. The bridge in the middle of the string divides it into an upper part (low tone) and a lower part (high tone),” Dr Nkosi indicated.

It is imperative to note that these instruments have adapted over time. In fact, they have been used in genres such as Jazz and contemporary Afro music. Therefore, Dr Nkosi believes that the preservation of these indigenous instruments is essential, as it keeps the African musical identity alive.

Uhadi: Indigenous South African instrument affiliated with the Xhosa tribe

Umakhoyane: Indigenous South African instrument affiliated with the Zulu tribe

News Archive

Bright young mind shines

2016-12-12

Description:Candice Thikeson Tags: Bowls longdesc=

Candice Thikeson, a Master’s
student in Arts History and
Image Studies at the University
of the Free State.
Photo: Anja Aucamp

“I was once told that I looked ‘immaculate’, as always. We use the word ‘immaculate’ to describe the Virgin Mary, does it get better than that?”

To everyone else, she may be a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Bright Young Mind and Abe Bailey Travel Bursary candidate, but there is more to this beauty that meets the eye.

Relating to women in the humanities field

Candice Thikeson, who is currently a Master’s student in Art History and Image Studies, says “I have a very strong spiritual foundation and my relationship with God really fuels everything I do. I also think being intentional about building great relationships with your family and friends is imperative.”

She says she has been inspired by different people at different stages of her life and draws a great deal from academics, creatives and activists. She relates best to women who are in the humanities and draws inspiration from the likes of Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Kenya-born, Somalian poet Warsan Shire.

“I love how they are able to comment on some of the most pressing issues black women face through beautiful and poignant writing. I also admire how frank these women are, something I’m still learning to be,” Thikeson says.

Pursue something you are genuinely interested in

The biggest misconception people have of her is that she studies art and she is working towards becoming an artist. “Fine art and art history is not the same thing. I don’t paint or make art at university, and I really don’t enjoy being called an artist.”

When asked about how she has become so successful at such a young age, she reiterated the cliché: “pursue something you are genuinely interested in and passionate about”. She adds, “if you are really good at what you do, your gift will make room for you in your field”.

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