Topic 1 (session B) - Levels of language: Linguistic levels, style & meaning > Levels of language & pop group names > chumbawamba

Levels of language & pop group names

Analysis of the popgroup name, chumbawamba

This one-word name is arresting because it is not an English word. Indeed, it is more reminiscent, because of the '-umba' repetition, of languages native to Australasia/Austronesia and Africa (in particular, the Bantu languages). The repetitive graphological and phonological structure of the name is also reminiscent of some refrains to African songs (e.g.: Zumba, zumba, zumba, zumba/Zumba zumba zumba zay) and the repeated sounds are similar phonologically to words indicating dance and tune rhythms (e.g. 'rumba' - a South American dance and 'oompah' - a word imitative of the sounds made by large brass instruments). Hence, if we only know the name, we would expect this group to play music with a strong repetitive rhythm and of possibly African origin. But how right would we be?

Self-confessed anarchists. Originally, couldn't play instuments particularly well, especially when they first started, and thus relied upon strong rhythms. Say that they're not ashamed of their 'three chord past'.

"Gathered from various parts of the North, the band were allergic to the egos and screaming tantrums which punctuate most pop culture. chumbawamba didn't pick members on whether they could actually play anything, the only entrance specifications were an ability to keep time, a hatred of authority and a good heart. They developed musical skills (or in some cases didn't) as they went along."

(from http://www.koeln-bonn.net/chumba/)

Their views on pop culture - "pop culture is a tool that can be used to make people consider revolution as an acceptable, even desirable option. Kids now don't join political groups. They get immersed in pop culture and channel their rebellion into that. We'd be foolish not to recognise the importance of pop culture."

Interestingly, according to one member of the group, chumbawamba doesn't mean anything.

At the time we formed (early 80's) there was a rush of bands with obvious names. It was the time of 'peace punk' and you couldn't get across a youth club dance floor without bumping into a Disorder, a Subhumans, a Decadent Youth or an Anthrax t shirt. We liked the sound of Chumbabwamba because it wasn't nailing ourselves down. Thatcher On Acid were a good band but it's lucky for them that Thatcher stayed in power for 11 years. If her influence had only lasted 18 months Thatcher On Acid's sell by date would have come and gone a lot sooner. We wanted a name which wouldn't date.

(http://www.chumba.com/_faquestions2.htm)

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