Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has come to represent the traditional culture of South Africa in the eyes of many music fans worldwide.

The singing voices in the youthful dreams of Joseph Shabalala, that is the real beginning of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. In the late 1950s, as a teenager, Joseph was singing and playing guitar when he was asked by a group, Devan Choir, to join them in performing a type of music called isicathamiya, which means 'tip toe guys.' This music has a long history. In the 19th century, native South Africans were forced to work in the diamond mines. The workers would perform song and dance for one another on Saturday nights, for their only free day was Sunday. This dancing was so vigorous that floors of the huts would occasionally be broken. Complaints by neighbors, to the guards, were so vehement that a new form of quieter dance was created, cothoza mfana, and the music became known as tip toe harmony. That new powerful music spread to the townships where it soon had so many adherents that a tradition of competitions developed. These competitions of the music popularly known as 'township jive' are still a strong a part of South African culture today.

Anyway, Joseph sang with them for two years before moving to Durban and founding his own group in 1960. In 1964 he began to dream of the voices of children singing a new, very complicated, type of music. His group of the time was unwilling to put in the work necessary to become accomplished in his new compositions, so Joseph recruited family and friends from Ladysmith to create the music of his dreams. In short order the group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, became famous as the most renowned isicathamiya groups in the country. Their competitive success was reflected in their name Mambazo (literally 'the axe'), which is to say the axe which cuts down all the competition. As their fame grew, they were taped for radio play. Airing on Radio Zulu by Alexius Buthelezi was the key to signing a recording contract with Gallo, for whom they still record. Early on in their recording career, other tribes and a few white folks picked up on Ladysmith so Joseph began writing in other African languages and even a bit in English, for even then, his goal of bringing people together was starting to be realized.

Over the next fifteen years Ladysmith Black Mambazo recorded 25 albums, many of which went Gold in Africa, but they were barely known off the continent until the Vulindella ('he who opened the gate'), Paul Simon, arrived. Paul had heard a bootleg tape of South African music and the first group he looked up was Ladysmith. Their recording sessions yielded two songs for the smash hit album, Graceland ("Homeless" and "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes"). Instant global acclaim allowed Ladysmith to travel and perform internationally. All was not so rosy on the political front, however. At the time the anti-apartheid movement world wide had created an economic and cultural boycott of South Africa and the howls of outrage at the breaking of that barrier were heard round the world. Joseph Shabalala was constantly criticized but has maintained steadfast in his view to love his neighbor.

International success allowed Ladysmith to record in the United States. Their first album on Warner Brothers, Shaka Zulu, won a Grammy. In the years since they have been nominated five more times and won once again. In addition to their discography which now numbers more than forty albums, they have recorded with Stevie Wonder, Julia Fordham, The Wynans and Dolly Parton. They have worked on five major motion picture soundtracks, Moonwalker (Michael Jackson), A Dry White Season (Marlon Brando), Let's Do It A Cappella (Spike Lee), Coming To America (Eddie Murphy) and Cry The Beloved Country (James Earl Jones). One of Joseph's songs was adapted into the play, The Song Of Jacob Zulu, which was nominated for six Tony Awards. They have become known to the TV audiences for their appearances on Sesame Street and in commercials for 7-Up, Lifesavers Candy, Heinz Soup and IBM. Quite a record!

The most important aspect of Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo's contribution to the world is breaking cultural barriers by sharing musical beauty and a love for all peoples. That is why Nelson Mandella is one of his great fans and considers them South Africa's cultural ambassadors-at-large to the whole world. Joseph is now working to create the Mambazo Academy of African Music and Culture. No doubt he'll succeed.

Discography

Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu

In the late 1700s, the Zulus were an obscure tribe of less than 2000 South African natives, ruled by a petty chief and seemingly doomed to eventual extinction. But when one charismatic and cunning young warrior, Shaka Zulu, emerged from this small, disorganized clan, the path of South African history changed forever. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has conquered nations in its own way with a joyous and spiritually charged brand of vocal music and native choreography, pays tribute to this historical icon with their latest release. The album title translates to “The Greatest Warrior,” and either directly or indirectly, each of the tracks speaks to Shaka’s rare combination of attributes and how they resonate in contemporary society – not just for South Africans, but for the world in general.

Long Walk To Freedom

In 1986 Paul Simon's groundbreaking "Graceland" introduced the musical genius and boundless spiritual energy of Ladysmith to the world. Eight years later, thanks in large part to Ladysmith and other South African artists bearing witness, apartheid ended in South Africa. Celebrating the 20th year of their ascendancy to the world stage and the dawn of Democracy, "Long Walk" is a collection of 12 of LBM's greatest hits, performed by the group with guest performances by some of the most progressive voices in the pop music scene, Melissa Etheridge and Joe McBride ("Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes"), Sarah McLachlan ("Homeless"), Natalie Merchant ("Rain Rain Beautiful Rain""), Emmylou Harris ("Amazing Grace," "Nearer My God to Thee"), Taj Mahal ("Mbube"), and Zap Mama ("Hello My Baby"). Also on the guest roster are a who's who of South African artists: Lucky Dube, Hugh Masekela, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa and others, who join to sing the wonderful "Shosholoza." Founder, Leader and Musical Director Joseph Shabalala leads 7-man Ladysmith in this sumptuous rhythmic celebration. "How Long," the title tune ("Halala South Africa") and bonus track "Thula Thula" by Ladysmith alone are all very fine. "Long Walk" is a gift to lovers of Ladysmith, powerful a cappella and freedom, just as Ladysmith has been a gift to us all!

No Boundries

"No Boundaries" is a rare treat, combining the talents of legendary Ladysmith with the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by by Finnish pianist and composer Ralf Gothoni, with most arrangements by Swedish composer Isak Roux. 12 songs, some of our favorites were written by Ladysmith's Joseph Shabalala, the powerful "Jabulani-Rejoice," "Homeless," Awu Wemadoda," "Ngingenwe Emoyeni" (Wind of the Spirit of God), and "Lifikile Ivangeli." Other favorites are the Paul Simon and Shabalala-arranged "Amazing Grace," the playful Roux arrangement of "Dona Nobis Pacem," the moving "Umzuzu Nayi Ujesu," Schubert's "Sanctus," Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus" and Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" are given a rhythmic, African flavor, and the Roux-arranged "Walil' Umtwana" (The Child is Crying) is a beautiful finish to a joyful cross-cultural collaboration of musical talent! Gorgeous, colorful liner notes.

Raise Your Spirit Higher

The thirteen brand new tracks (first release of new material since 1977) on "Raise Your Spirit Higher — Wenyukela" reiterate the message that has transcended Black Mambazo's music since the group's earliest days. Survivors of the apartheid movement that divided South Africa for generations, the group widens their scope on this record and addresses many of the same kinds of struggles and cultural clashes that persist around the world. In English, the word Wenyukela means "raise your spirit higher," but the language of Shabalala's stirring and richly layered vocal compositions is universal. Raise Your Spirit Higher—Wenyukela is Black Mambazo's message of hope and unity to a troubled world.

9827 CD $15.98

In Harmony - Live At The Royal Albert Hall

The first live recording, captured from their sold-out appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall. The South-African Ladysmith has an international reputation, acting as informal ambassadors of musical goodwill. Though we were unable to listen to this CD prior to publication, we know it contains many of the group's most popular songs, including "Homeless," written by Paul Simon. We can be sure that Ladysmith's performance will be a joyous event.

Best Of. Vol 1

The intricate and beautiful style of South African harmony singing, known as mbube, was brought to the world by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This CD is a compilation of the first twenty years of their work. These a cappella songs are sung in Zulu with two in English. Selections include "Izithembiso Zenkosi," "That's Why I Choose You," "Ungikhumbule" and "Induku Zethu." This dynamic group always amazes with its breathtakingly gorgeous harmonies.

Best Of. Vol 2

Anyone familiar with the group's history knows the immense respect the group has garnered through a career spanning over forty albums. Though their appearances with Paul Simon raised their profile significantly, their vibrant rhythms and joyful voices have been attracting international audiences for many years prior. Sung in the native languages of South Africa, this in fact adds to the enjoyment of the record, as one is drawn in and captivated by the repetitive mantra of the sounds themselves, and the honest feeling that they express.

Heavenly

Ladysmith crosses cultural boundaries more than ever before to bring their musical message to a wider audience. The lineup of musicians who with whom they work is fabulous. The album begins with one of the most complex pieces of music imaginable from Joseph who admits that his music is very difficult to sing. Dolly Parton leads "Knockin' On Heavens Door." "O Happy Day" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord" features vocalist Betty Griffin. Phoebe Snow is lead singer on "People Get Ready." Bill Champlin does the lead vocal on "River Of Dreams." You'll find Lou Rawls in lead on "Chain Gang" and Hana "Coyote" Motijoane sings lead on "I'll Take You There." Among these instrumentally accompanied guest appearances which explore American gospel and R&B are an equal number of Ladysmith familiars. It's wonderful how many artists seek to share the message of hope and joy with Ladysmith Black Mambazo!

Journey of Dreams

Journey of Dreams began in the late 1950's in Joseph Shabalala's dreams. Joseph writes. "This Journey of Dreams began a long time ago, while I was still a young boy on the farm and children would come to my dreams and sing to me. Now that we have made this record working with Russ Titelman and blessed by Paul Simon's guidance, I feel the dreams are now living inside the music as never before. For the first time I have made the music on record exactly as my dreams would tell me and for this I am grateful. Because the world listens now and that means the Journey of Dreams goes on and on." You can experience that dream with this baker's dozen songs which are, all but one, sung in Zulu. That one is the finale, "Amazing Grace" arranged and sung with Paul Simon. Don't miss the dream!

Shaka Zulu

As Joseph Shabalala said when he was talking about recording Shaka Zulu, "Umcolo uthokozisa abadabukileyo." This means, "singing makes all the sad people happy because it is the voice of happiness." It also means that he was overjoyed to have been able to record his first U.S. release which was produced by his good friend, Paul Simon. It was 1987, and after recording twenty five records in Africa his musical message was finally becoming international. That message was, and is today, take pride in your heritage, create joy in your life and embrace all people. The strength of the message and the beauty of its musical transmission was reason for Shaka Zulu being awarded a Grammy in 1987 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. It also marks the beginning of Joseph's habit of writing some songs in English in order to make his music more accessible to our very different culture. This is a great recording for introducing new listeners to Ladysmith's music.

The Warner Brothers Collection

Thuthukani Ngoxolo

Did you know that Ladysmith Black Mambazo is Nelson Mandella's favorite musical group? When he was released from jail, he publicly wondered where Joseph Shabalala was. He described Joseph as our pillar, our ambassador. Thus it was that Ladysmith, whose music never took sides but shared a love for all, accompanied Nelson Mandella to Sweden in 1993 where he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize and they performed in celebration. They were at his side six months later as he was inaugurated president of South Africa. Thuthukani Ngoxolo means let's develop in peace. There could be no more fitting title for a recording (which was nominated for a Grammy) with this historical context. Some of the translated song titles are, "With God Everything Is Possible," "Why Aren't You Happy?," "What Goes Around Comes Around" and "Let's Sit Down And Negotiate."

Gift of the Tortoise

This release from Ladysmith takes the entire family on an enchanting musical journey trough the rich and wondrous land of the Zulu people. The combination of great music and lively introductions in English delights children and adults alike.

Classic Tracks

By the time Ladysmith Black Mambazo became known in the United States they had recorded twenty or so albums in South Africa on the Gallo label. Many of them had gone gold. Only a few of those earlier recordings have been released here since they began their recording for the U.S. market with Shaka Zulu. In 1990 Shanachie compiled this wonderful disc of tracks taken from Ladysmith's Gallo discography which had been originally released in South Africa. These are some of the songs which made mbube songs famous through out Africa long before they were heard by a U.S. audience, except for small audiences of eclectic non-commercial radio stations. This is the sound that captivated Paul Simon and stimulated his desire to work with them.

DVDs

Live!

Nomathemba
This Is The Way We Do ("Ekuhlupekeri")
Long Walk To Freedom ("Halala South Africa")
Hello My Baby
Nginethemba
Thulanhliziyo
Makoti
Rain Rain Beautiful Rain
Homeless
Wentomb' unecala
Shosholoza
Amazing Grace/ Nearer My God To Thee

For more than three decades, the story of Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been just as much about physicality and choreography as it has been about brilliant vocal harmonies. For this GRAMMY® winning a cappella group that merges South African music and dance traditions with a Christian messages of compassion, love and global harmony, the music alone is only half the story. Simply put, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has to be seen to be understood. Catch a visual glimpse of these icons of South African music and dance with Live! Recorded in Akron, Ohio, in 2008, the set captures not only fourteen songs performed on the stage of EJ Thomas Hall at the University of Akron, but also forty minutes of in-depth interviews with founder, leader and musical director Joseph Shabalala and other members of the group.

9921 DVD $19.95

Live at Montreux

Wangibambezela
Hello My Baby
King Of Kings
Wena Othanda Abantu
Amazing Grace
Yibo Labafana
Kwathatha
Homeless
Nkosi Sikelela
Nomathemba
Yinhle Lentimbi
Homeless
Nomathemba
Hello My Baby
Homeless

South Africa has had many musical ambassadors, but surely none as distinctive as Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Though their name translates as "the Black Axe of Ladysmith," this unique vocal group from the province of Natal are both gentle and persuasive in style. And their music has become one of the jewels in the crown of both country and continent. The Music Of Ladysmith Black Mambazo reflects the needs of migrant workers to make their own entertainment, hence the theatrical aspect to their shows. Already popular in their native South Africa, they were brought to a worldwide audience through their collaboration with Paul Simon on his classic "Graceland" album. The group has played Montreux on three occasions, and all performances are compiled on this DVD, including many of their best loved tracks such as "King of Kings," "Hello My Baby," and "Homeless." Founded in 1967, the Montreux Jazz Festival has established itself as one of the most prestigious annual music events in the world. The extraordinary list of artists who have played there is drawn from across the musical spectrum and from around the world. Now, with the consent of the festival and the artitists, these concerts are finally available on DVD for the first time.

9875 DVD $17.98

Live At The Royal Albert Hall

More African a cappella recordings

An interview with Joseph Shabalala

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