Bohemian Rhapsody, the iconic hit song released by British band Queen 50 years ago, now has a Mzansi twist with its first translated version, performed by South Africa's internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir.
Following standing ovations after performing their Zulu remake of the chart-topper — including at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York — the group have now released a recording of the song.
They received the blessing of Queen's lead guitarist and backing vocalist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
The choir's artistic director, Ralf Schmitt, told the Sunday Times that securing the rights to perform and record Bohemian Rhapsody was a years-long journey. “Sometimes an idea feels so vast and daunting that it seems almost impossible to attempt,” he said.
Schmitt said the choir's rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, which they also performed in Johannesburg and Cape Town last year, had received a warm reception.
“It got a standing ovation at the Carnegie Hall in New York in November last year... we are about to go on a big nationwide tour,” Schmitt said.
He said that after producing a choral version of Bohemian Rhapsody with the Rustenburg High School choir, he swore he’d never do the song again.
Schmitt said that though the song was “incredibly beautiful”, it was also “notoriously complex and demanding”.
A few years later, Schmitt found himself “fiddling” with an a cappella Zulu opening, but did not know that would lead to him attempting a full song one day.
The lyrics were translated by Sipho Hleza, the group's sound engineer, and choristers Lungelo Masango and Sandile Majola.
Schmitt said the translation was done “with utmost care, keeping it as true to the original as possible”.
“We intentionally retained certain original lyrics because they are iconic to the song, instantly recognisable across the world, or because translating them directly would have altered the melody or disrupted the song’s natural rhythmic flow.”
He believes that they have taken one of the most complex songs ever written and infused it with the diverse musical genres of Africa.
“It was the most challenging project I’ve ever undertaken, yet one of the most rewarding. And, as always, none of it would be possible without the remarkable team that turns these ambitious dreams into reality. ”
The Ndlovu Youth Choir, which earned global recognition and acclaim after their performance on America’s Got Talent in 2019, where they lost in the finals.
The multiple award-winning group was founded in 2009 in Elandsdoorn in Limpopo. They are now preparing for a show at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria on Heritage day.
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