Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a male choral group based out of South Africa who have been together in some form for over 40 years. The group’s history goes something like this:
Joseph Shabalala formed Ladysmith Black Mambazo because of a series of dreams he had in 1964, in which he heard certain isicathamiya harmonies, isicathamiya being the traditional music of the Zulu people. Following their local success at wedding ceremonies, Shabalala entered them into isicathamiya competitions. The group were described as 'so good' that they were eventually forbidden to enter the competitions but were welcomed to entertain at them. Although they had been recognized as an isicathamiya group in 1964, they had been singing together since the early 1950s. They released their first album, Amabutho, in 1973. The album, along with many other releases by the group, received gold disc certification. Ladysmith Black Mambazo's collaboration with Paul Simon in 1986 paved the way for international releases, making them widely known across the world [wiki].
Collaborating with Paul Simon helped Ladysmith Black Mambazo rise to a level musically and critically they had never reached before. They won their first Grammy Award in 2005 for the Best Traditional World Music Album for their work on the record Raise Your Spirit Higher (They have been nominated a total of 13 times over their long career). For founder Joseph Shabalala the ideas and sounds of Ladysmith Black Mambazo will continue even after his time in the group ends. He makes this clear in a statement he issued about his retirement:
“When the time comes for me to finish touring and to stay home they will carry on my dream. As well, my son Thamsanqa (Tommy) will become the new leader of the group. Thus, the dream I had over forty-five years ago will continue well into the 21st century. Ladysmith Black Mambazo must continue as the message of Peace, Love and Harmony never must be silenced.” Joseph Shabalala, January 23, 2008
In case that didn’t grab you check out a fews live clips from Ladysmith Black Mamabazo below:
Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be performing at The State Theatre on Monday February 9th at 8:00 PM. Tickets are sale now ONLINE and also at The State Theatre Box Office for $32.
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