Pictured: Thandeka Mfinyongo carrying the Uhadi instrument[Image: SUPPLIED]
The Uhadi, a traditional Xhosa instrument, holds a special place in South Africa's cultural heritage, especially during Xhosa celebrations. Historically, the Uhadi was mainly used at weddings and formal events. However, over time, things have changed. With the shift from apartheid to democracy, more people can play the Uhadi. It's no longer limited to married women during specific events; now, anyone can play it, making its beautiful sounds more accessible.
This transformation isn't just about music; it reflects broader changes in the South African society. Once only heard at nighttime and weddings, the Uhadi's tunes now reach a wider audience. In today's Xhosa music scene, Thandeka Mfinyongo is one of the few preserving the Uhadi's soulful sounds. While Xhosa culture has various musical instruments, the Uhadi is not as common. Thandeka's choice to include the Uhadi in her performances is a way to keep traditional music alive. She passionately shares, "Hearing that our music was dying was a changing point for me. I did not understand how the music could die sisekhona as abantu abamnyama and amaXhosa, and I wanted to learn more."[1] Her commitment to revive the Uhadi instrument is not merely an artistic choice but a cultural responsibility.
In a time when many people, including myself, are not familiar with the Uhadi, there's a need for more awareness. I first encountered the Uhadi during a performance at the drama department last year, sparking a realization that more education about this traditional instrument is needed.
[1] Translation: “I did not understand how the music could die while we are still here as black people and Xhosa people”
Thandeka Mfinyongo advocates for popularizing the Uhadi among the youth. "By popularizing this music and instrument with the youth, we ensure that the music can survive for generations," she emphasizes. Integrating social media in this endeavour broadens the audience base for indigenous music, ensuring its sustainability. The Uhadi plays a unique and evolving melody in Xhosa culture's music. The changes in accessibility, the efforts of musicians like Thandeka Mfinyongo, and the call for increased awareness all contribute to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity.
As you listen to this captivating piece, let the sound of the Uhadi resonate with your understanding of the Xhosa sound. Does the Uhadi uniquely reflect Xhosa culture, or do other Xhosa instruments better capture its essence? Share your thoughts and join the dialogue in preserving the cultural legacy embedded in the rhythmic beats of the Uhadi.
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