isicathamiya

Where does the word "isicathamiya" come from? It comes from Zulu -cathama, passing through Zulu before entering English (1980s).

Isicathamiya’s story begins in Zulu: -cathama meant “to walk softly, tread carefully.” The verb root describing stealthy, careful movement. Within Zulu, it grew into isicathamiya by 1920s. Named for the gentle, tiptoeing dance steps of migrant mineworkers who sang quietly at night hostels. It reached English by 1980s as isicathamiya. Entered English through the international popularity of groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Today, isicathamiya means a style of soft, harmonized Zulu a cappella singing, made internationally famous by groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

1. Stage 1 · Zulu · ancient -cathama "to walk softly, tread carefully", the verb root describing stealthy, careful movement.
2. Stage 2 · Zulu · 1920s isicathamiya "a style of soft, harmonized a cappella singing", named for the gentle, tiptoeing dance steps of migrant mineworkers who sang quietly at night hostels.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1980s isicathamiya "a South African Zulu a cappella choral singing style", entered English through the international popularity of groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo.