“Zulu rendition breathes new life into Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody'”

The Ndlovu Youth Choir, hailing from South Africa’s rural Limpopo province and gaining international recognition on America’s Got Talent in 2019, has embarked on an innovative project. They have produced a Zulu-language rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, marking the first time Queen has endorsed a translation of their iconic rock ballad.

Artistic director of the choir, Ralf Schmitt, revealed that Queen’s surviving members and the Mercury Phoenix Trust supported this unique translation. “We realized that we’d be the first translation that’s been commercially released,” said Schmitt, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and hoping to honor the original piece. This groundbreaking initiative coincides with the 50th anniversary of Bohemian Rhapsody and was inspired during the choir’s time in Tanzania, where the idea of an African reinterpretation surfaced due to Freddie Mercury’s birth in Zanzibar.

Sandile Majola, a member of the choir involved in translating the song into Zulu, emphasized the careful and faithful approach they took to maintain the essence of the original lyrics. “Bringing this song to life in my own language gave it a whole new meaning for me,” Majola reflected on the emotional depth of the project. For lead singer Lungelo Masango, who was unfamiliar with both the song and the band, the task of fitting Zulu words into the song’s structure posed a significant challenge, requiring precise selection to preserve the message.

The intricate translation process spanned several years, retaining some English lyrics like “Galileo, Galileo!” due to their complexity. Infused with African musical traditions such as isicathamiya and kwassa kwassa, the Zulu version incorporates call-and-response elements rooted in African performance styles, enhancing the song’s cultural resonance. The accompanying music video, featuring the choir in traditional attire, offers a vibrant celebration of a distinctly African interpretation of a legendary rock anthem.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s venture into translating Bohemian Rhapsody into Zulu represents a harmonious blend of diverse musical influences and cultural heritage. Their bold reinterpretation of this classic track not only pays tribute to Queen’s timeless composition but also showcases the universal appeal and adaptability of music across languages and borders.