Isicathamiya

Isicathamiya is a singing style originated from the South African Zulus. The word means "on the tip of the tongue".

African acapella groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo demonstrate this style. Isicathamiya choirs are traditionally all-male. Its roots reach back before the turn of the 20th century, when numerous men left the homelands in order to search for work in the cities. As many of the tribesmen became urbanized, the style was forgotten through much of the 20th century.

Today, Isicathamiya competitions in Johannesburg and Durban take place over the weekends, with up to 30 choirs performing.