mbaqanga

Where does the word "mbaqanga" come from? It comes from Zulu umbaqanga, and was adopted directly into English (1960s).

Mbaqanga’s story begins in Zulu: umbaqanga meant “steamed maize bread, a mixture.” Originally an everyday steamed maize dish; applied to music as a term for its humble, 'mixed' style. It reached English by 1960s as mbaqanga. Zulu 'steamed maize bread', implying everyday fare; Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens made it famous. Today, mbaqanga means a style of South African popular music blending Zulu vocal harmonies with jazz and dance rhythms.

1. Stage 1 · Zulu · 1900s umbaqanga "steamed maize bread, a mixture", originally an everyday steamed maize dish; applied to music as a term for its humble, 'mixed' style.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1960s mbaqanga "a South African township music genre blending traditional and jazz styles", Zulu 'steamed maize bread', implying everyday fare; Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens made it famous.