Definition of imbongi in English:
imbongi
nounPlural imbongis, Plural iimbongi, Plural izimbongi ɪmˈbɔːŋɡi
South African (in traditional African society) a composer and orator of poems praising a chief or other figurehead.
an imbongi will introduce the chief by reciting
Example sentencesExamples
- In reply, he said his organisation did not believe the country's media should be imbongis (praise singers) of any government.
- The suite features the unusual combination of standard big band, with the addition of a traditional imbongi (praise singer) and a young rapper, and promises to be very exciting and hip.
- Masondo, accompanied by thee verses of an imbongi, stepped on to the stage and said the event marked the celebration of the festive season.
- Those who were in the legislature during Stofile's address will remember the two imbongis who sang the praises of Stofile and the African National Congress inside the chamber.
- Spectators will also be treated to a display of indigenous games and praise-singing by traditional imbongis - let me not divulge all the surprises.
Origin
From Xhosa (plural iim-) and Zulu (plural izim-).