Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Raph_PH · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African music group founded by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, known for their isicathamiya and mbube styles, which have been influenced by traditional music of the Zulu people. The group's music has been featured in various films, including The Lion King and Sarafina!, and they have collaborated with artists such as Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Dolly Parton. They have also performed at numerous events, including the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute and the 1996 Summer Olympics.

History

The group was formed in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, and their name is derived from the city of Ladysmith and the black mamba, a type of venomous snake found in South Africa. The group's early years were marked by performances at local events and competitions, including the Iscathamiya Competition in Johannesburg. They gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, releasing albums such as Amabutho and Ukusa Nkasa, and collaborating with artists like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela. The group has also performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic, and has toured extensively throughout the world, including performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Music Style

The group's music style is characterized by their use of a cappella harmonies and percussion instruments, such as the drum and the shaker. Their music is heavily influenced by traditional Zulu music and Christian hymns, and they often incorporate click language and vocal percussion into their songs. The group has also been influenced by American music styles, such as gospel music and jazz, and has collaborated with artists like Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. They have also performed with the Soweto Gospel Choir and the Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, and have been influenced by the music of Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé.

Discography

The group has released over 60 albums, including Shaka Zulu, which won a Grammy Award in 1988, and Raise Your Spirit Higher, which won a Grammy Award in 2004. Other notable albums include Homeless, which features the song Homeless, and Inkwenkwezi, which features the song Inkwenkwezi. The group has also released several compilation albums, including The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Friends. They have collaborated with artists like Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli, and have performed at events like the Grammy Awards and the American Music Awards.

Awards and Recognition

The group has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards. They have also been nominated for several other awards, including a Tony Award and a Emmy Award. The group has been recognized for their contributions to South African music and culture, and has been awarded honorary degrees from University of Natal and University of the Witwatersrand. They have also been recognized by the South African government and have performed at events like the State of the Nation Address and the Inauguration of Nelson Mandela.

Members

The group's current members include Thamsanqa Shabalala, Sibongiseni Shabalala, and Thulani Shabalala, who are all sons of the group's founder, Joseph Shabalala. Other members include Albert Mazibuko, Abednego Mazibuko, and Russell Mthembu. The group has had several former members, including Inos Phungula and Geoffrey Mdletshe, who have gone on to pursue solo careers. The group has also collaborated with other artists, such as Angélique Kidjo and Youssou N'Dour, and has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. Category:South African music groups