In 1975, “Bohemian Rhapsody” became an instant classic. While countless covers (from The Muppets to Glee) have paid tribute to what’s considered one of rock’s most enduring anthems, Queen has never authorized a translation of the song — until now. Fifty years after the single was released, a new version is delighting fans, this time in the Zulu language and performed by South Africa’s acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir.
Though the words may not be familiar to most fans, the melody remains unmistakable. The choir — which you may recognize from their appearance on America’s Got Talent — worked for years to preserve the original song’s meaning while adapting the words to fit the Zulu language, per NPR. Some lyrics, however, intentionally remain unchanged (like “Galileo, Galileo”).
“We approached the translation with the utmost care, keeping it as true to the original as possible,” said Sandile Majola, a choir member who assisted with the translation. “Bringing this song to life in my own language gave it a whole new meaning for me.”
In addition to the lyrical adjustments, the rendition incorporates African musical elements like isicathamiya, a popular Zulu a cappella singing style, and kwassa kwassa, an energetic type of music and dance that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Press play on the music video, and you’ll find the choir decked out in traditional attire.
Ralf Schmitt, the choir’s artistic director, explained that Queen’s surviving members and the Mercury Phoenix Trust gave their blessing for the adaptation. “We realized that we’d be the first translation that’s been commercially released,” he said, noting that late front man Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar. “So, we’re very honored to have got the permission, and we hope that we’ve done the piece justice.”
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