2. Ladysmith Black Mambazo was
formed back in the early 1960s
while South Africa’s apartheid was
still an issue. The group was
brought together by a man named
Joseph Shambalala, who was still
just a farmboy/factory worker at the
time.
During this chaotic time in their
homeland, they set a goal, one that
was not aimed at any specific
religion or belief system:
“To bring the gospel of loving one
another all over the world.” –
Joseph Shambalala
3. Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Current Members:
Joseph Shabalala
Albert Mazibuko
Msizi Shabalala
Sibongiseni Shabalala
Thamsanqa Shabalala
Thulani Shabalala
Russel Mthembu
Abednego Mazibuko
4. Each part of the group’s name holds meaning.
Ladysmith – the name of Joseph Shambalala’s
hometown
Black – a reference to oxen
Mambazo – the Zulu word for axe, a reference
to the group’s ability to “cut down” rivals.
6. Eventually, Ladysmith Black Mambazo became too polished in
their performances and were banned from competing in singing
competitions because of it. They were, however, still welcomed
as guests entertainment.
The group’s sound combines traditional South African music to
Christian music from the Western world, creating a truly unique
fusion.
To be specific, they retain a heavy influence from isicathamiya, a
type of traditional South African music which was developed by
overworked and underpaid miners who entertained themselves by
singing on their day off.
7. The all-male group started on their path to recognition in
Durban, South Africa, but would eventually make themselves
known to the rest of the world, thanks mostly to a man named
Paul Simon.
In 1970, Ladysmith
signed their first record
contract after a
successful radio
broadcast.
10. Right in the middle of the 80’s, Paul Simon first made contact
with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and decided to include their
amazing vocals in his upcoming 1986 album, Graceland, which
many people believe was key in bringing world music in the
spotlight.
A year after Graceland’s Grammy-winning success, Paul Simon
produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s first United States album,
which was called Shaka Zulu, which also won a Grammy in
1988.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6pnSNMs3SQ
11. Since that first win in 1988, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has
been nominated for Grammy Awards 15 more times and has
won three more total, the most recent of which was obtained in
2009.
12. The group has worked with a plethora of celebrity musicians,
including, but not limited to:
Stevie Wonder
Josh Groban
Dolly Parton
Ben Harper
Sarah McLachlan
Natalie Merchant
Melissa Etheridge
Emmylou Harris
Taj Mahal
13. Performance with Josh Groban:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC8InX9Rnlk
Performance with Dolly Parton:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zkr6kb8L58
14. In addition to celebrity musicians, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
has also been welcomed into into the world of movie
soundtracks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLBeRLO1Jgw
They made appearances in Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker
video, as well as:
Coming to America – Eddie Murphy
Do It A Cappella – Spike Lee
Invictus – Clint Eastwood
A Dry White Season – Marlon Brando
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen – Sean Connery
Cry To The Beloved Country – James Earl Jones
15. They also loaned out their vocals for the classic Disney movie,
The Lion King…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NydyoscLVjc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81GBM-ZUXe8
16. …and made an appearance on Sesame Street with Paul Simon to
help spread the cultural awareness and significance of Africa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2spD2F6ZCM
17. They were invited by Nelson Mandela to perform for the Queen
of England and the Royal Family. Additionally, they have
performed at two Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies, for Pope John
Paul III, at the South African Presidential inagurations,
and1996’s Summer Olympics, among many other events!
18.
19. Discography
Ilembe – 1996
Long Walk to Freedom – 2006
Journey of Dreams – 2003
The Chillout Sessions – 2002
The Warner Bross Collection – 2007
Gospel Songs – 1999
In Harmony – 1999
Heavenly – 1997
Spirit of South Africa – 1997
Thuthukani Ngoxolo – 1996
Gift of the Tortoise – 1994
Liph’ Iginiso – 1994
…
23. Coming Soon
These guys aren’t done yet. With new generations of young
South African singers eager to lend their voices to this
inspirational and internationally known group, Ladysmith Black
Mambazo will live on through the voices of youth, long after all
of the original members have passed the torch.
24. Currently, six new recording projects are in the works, in
addition to a concert DVD and a children’s project.
Volume 1. of their new trilogy, Our South African Life, is set to
be released in January of 2011, and will be called “Songs From a
Zulu Farm.”
This trilogy will tell the story of their life experiences, especially
those of the group’s older members.
Also in 2011, they will be setting out on tour yet again, and they
will be making a return to the United States, performing here
early on in the year.
25. "We are teachers. We travel the world
spreading our message of Peace, Love and
Harmony. What could be better or more
important than that?“ – Joseph Shambalala
