Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing at The Queen's Birthday Party in 2018
Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing at The Queen's Birthday Party in 2018
Background information
OriginLadysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
GenresIsicathamiya, Mbube
Years active1960–present
Labels
SpinoffsYoung Mbazo[1]
Members
Past members
Websitewww.mambazo.com

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choral group singing in the local vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. They became known internationally after singing with American Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland. They have since won multiple awards, including five Grammy Awards[2] the fifth of which they dedicated to the late former South African President Nelson Mandela.[3]

Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo became one of South Africa's most prolific musical groups. Their releases received gold and platinum disc honours in both South Africa and abroad.[4] The group became a mobile academy of South African cultural heritage through their African indigenous isicathamiya music.[3]

  1. ^ Langa, Phumlani S (2021). "Young Mbazo – A family affair as talented protégés look to impress". News 24. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Ladysmith Black Mambazo wins fifth Grammy award". Enca.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Ladysmith Black Mambazo coming home to intense celebrations - Texx and the City". Texxandthecity.com. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  4. ^ Erlmann, V: Nightsong, pp. 291–92. The University of Chicago Press, 1996.