Mzilikazi khumalo biography sample form

James Steven Mzilikazi Khumalo (20 June – 22 June ) was a South African composer and professor emeritus of African languages at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Mzilikazi Khumalo — was a linguist, academic, composer and director of choral music. He persisted with his studies in African languages and linguistics, achieving a landmark and highly sophisticated theoretical treatise on Zulu tonology for his Masters degree. His doctoral studies were in phonology, a sub-field of linguistics devoted to the systematic analysis of speech sounds.

Khumalo spent most of his career teaching, first in schools, and then at the University of the Witwatersrand. In the s, he became the first black professor of African languages at the university. He was also its first black head of the department of African languages. Khumalo and Cock first pioneered the innovative system of dual notation tonic solfa with staff notation that has become a staple in South Africa.

Khumalo was appointed chair of the national anthem committee for South Africa in It was his idea to join the new and old anthems for purposes of reconciliation. He toured the US, Europe and the Caribbean.

Mzilikazi Khumalo's expansive work intersected his intellectual and cultural life with the nation's post's search for a specific South African musical idiom and national identity.

He also established important cultural ties with the African diaspora during apartheid. Khumalo collaborated with important conductors, composers, librettists and companies to stage genre-defining works. These works were performed to acclaim — including at the Ravinia Festival, Kennedy Centre, and many other venues across the globe. In , he was awarded the Order of the Star by President Nelson Mandela in recognition of his contributions to the nation.

Anna Walker.