On August 30, 2025, the Ndlovu Youth Choir of South Africa made history with the release of their Zulu-language rendition of Queen’s iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody." As reported by NPR, this marks the first time that the legendary rock anthem has received an authorized translation, and it’s not just any translation—the choir’s version is the first to be commercially released, backed by the blessing of Queen’s surviving members and the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
The project’s journey began years ago, sparked by a moment of inspiration while the choir was working in Tanzania. The connection to Africa is profound, given that Freddie Mercury—born Farrokh Bulsara—came into the world on the island of Zanzibar. According to BBC, Mercury’s family later moved to Britain, and he never returned to his birthplace, but his African roots have always lingered in the background of his remarkable story. Artistic director Ralf Schmitt explained, “We realized that we’d be the first translation that’s been commercially released. So, we’re very honored to have got the permission, and we hope that we’ve done the piece justice.”
Securing the rights to perform and record "Bohemian Rhapsody" was no small feat. Schmitt described the process as "a long and patient journey. Many role players around the world working together to make this dream possible." The choir’s gratitude is palpable. “To have the blessing of Brian May and Roger Taylor is an immense honour. We cannot wait for the world to hear it,” Schmitt told SA Music and Entertainment.
This release is particularly timely, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of "Bohemian Rhapsody." The choir’s interpretation is not merely a translation; it’s an imaginative reworking that asks, what if Freddie Mercury’s musical journey had never left Africa? As the Ndlovu Youth Choir wrote on Facebook, “The heartfelt homage of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen imagines what the song might have sounded like if Freddie Mercury’s musical journey had never left Africa, the continent of his birth.”
Sandile Majola, a choir member who led the translation process, described the task as both daunting and deeply meaningful. “We approached the translation with the utmost care, keeping it as true to the original as possible,” Majola said. “Bringing this song to life in my own language gave it a whole new meaning for me.” The translation took several years to perfect, with the team striving to preserve the spirit and message of the original while adapting it for Zulu’s unique linguistic rhythm. Lead singer Lungelo Masango admitted, “I had never heard of the song or the band.” For her, the project was a voyage of discovery, not only of Queen’s music but of the complexities of translating such a well-loved classic. She explained, “Zulu words are very long … you have to find the right words because the message still has to be the same.”
Some elements of the original remain untouched. The famous “Galileo, Galileo!” line, for instance, is still sung in English. But the rest of the song is transformed, woven through with African musical traditions. The choir’s arrangement incorporates township styles like isicathamiya—a genre made famous by groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo—and the infectious, swinging rhythms of kwassa kwassa from Central Africa. According to NPR, the rendition also features enhanced call-and-response sections, a hallmark of African performance that brings a new communal energy to the piece.
The release is accompanied by a vibrant music video, now available on YouTube, that showcases the choir members in colorful traditional attire. The video is a visual feast, celebrating not only the fusion of musical cultures but also the pride and creativity of the Ndlovu Youth Choir. Their performance radiates joy and respect for the original, while firmly rooting the song in a South African context.
Internationally, the choir’s achievement has not gone unnoticed. The Times in London reported, “Bohemian Rhapsody in Zulu? Freddie Mercury would approve.” The choir’s bold interpretation has sparked headlines and stirred the imaginations of Queen fans around the globe. As their artistic director Ralf Schmitt put it, “The choir is thrilled to share this very special version with audiences everywhere.”
For the Ndlovu Youth Choir, this project is more than just a musical milestone. It’s a celebration of heritage and a bridge between cultures. The release comes just in time for their 2025 Heritage Tour, which will see the choir performing across towns and cities nationwide. Ahead of the tour, a video of the choir performing at Hoërskool Ben Viljoen in Groblersdal was shared, offering a taste of the energy and passion audiences can expect.
The translation and adaptation of "Bohemian Rhapsody" posed unique challenges. The song’s intricate structure, shifting tempos, and famously surreal lyrics are a tall order for any artist, let alone one working in a different language and musical tradition. Yet the Ndlovu Youth Choir met these challenges head-on, with Artistic Director Schmitt emphasizing the importance of authenticity and respect for the source material. The project was, as the choir posted on Facebook, “over a year and a half in the making, reimagining one of the greatest and most complex songs of all time has been a truly unforgettable experience for us.”
What’s especially remarkable is that for some choir members, Queen’s music was entirely new territory. Their fresh perspective, combined with a deep respect for the original, shines through in every note. The result is a performance that feels both reverent and daring, familiar yet utterly novel.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s Zulu rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" stands as a testament to the power of music to cross boundaries—linguistic, cultural, and generational. By infusing a classic rock anthem with African rhythms and sensibilities, the choir has created something that is at once a tribute and a reinvention. It’s a reminder, as Mercury’s own story shows, that music is a universal language, capable of uniting people from every corner of the globe.
With their groundbreaking release, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has not only honored Queen’s legacy but also carved out a new chapter in the song’s storied history, inviting a new generation—and a new continent—into the fold of "Bohemian Rhapsody."
