Zulu Music: Isicathamiya and Swankas at Jeppe Hostel

Jeppe Hostel, situated in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa, is home to a number of Zulu migrant workers. Each week, the Hostel hosts "isicathamiya" music competitions as well as best-dressed competitions in which "swankas" compete. ( Swankas are men who pride themselves on their fine clothing and shoes.) The word "isicathamiya" means "in a tip-toeing style" and describes the cat-like motions of the feet of the male singers while they perform. This musical form is a hybrid of gospel as well as traditional Zulu music. It is performed by all-male groups and is always acapella. At Jeppe Hostel, the isicathamiya musical performances kick off at about 10PM, followed by the "best dressed man" competition. Both competitions are judged by strangers who have been plucked off the streets, selected for their impartiality. (A typical evening will start around 10PM and continue through to about 6AM the following morning.)
*Apologies for the soft sound on this video. Please use headphones to best hear the audio.*