The legendary South African vocal group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, is set to celebrate an astounding 65 years in the music industry, a milestone filled with rich harmonies, cultural pride, and vibrant performances. Picture: File
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the legendary South African vocal group known for its rich harmonies and vibrant performances, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone of 65 years in the music industry.
Founded by the late Dr Joseph Shabalala, the group has cemented its place as a cultural treasure, and this year promises to be particularly special as they also embark on a much-anticipated tour across the US.
Sibongiseni Shabalala, the son of the group's founder, expressed his deep pride in an interview with the Saturday Star, underlining the importance of this anniversary for both the group and its ardent fans.
“It is such an amazing experience to walk in the footsteps of our father and all those who established this group. This means the legacy of the groups is continuing to grow from glory to glory. In a few years, we will be celebrating 70 years, which is an incredible milestone in the history of music globally. We thank South Africans, the entire continent, and the world for supporting us throughout this journey,” he said.
The significance of this tour extends beyond mere performance; it encapsulates the dream of Dr Joseph Shabalala, who envisioned spreading traditional Zulu music across the globe.
Sibongiseni remarked: “When my father started the group, it was his dream to be able to take this kind of music all over the world. For us to continue his dream, even after he retired and passed on, makes us very happy.”
The group's influence in the music industry is undeniable, having garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Their unique sound combines the richness of traditional Zulu music with modern elements, making them one of the most iconic and influential vocal groups internationally.
The tour, that commenced on February 10 and running until April 9, will showcase the group in over 30 cities across the United States and Canada, including major cultural hubs such as New York, Californi, and Washington.
It also promises a captivating mix of classic hits and new material from their recent releases, ensuring that fans will experience both nostalgia and fresh creativity.
“Our US tour is very important for us. Since I joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1993, there has never been a year without a tour from January to April, except during Covid. We aim to spread harmony and love through our music,” said Shabalala.
He further elaborated on the group's commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and preserving South African musical heritage.
“We are trying to ensure the dream of my father becomes a reality by building a school dedicated to teaching indigenous music of South Africa. We hope to inspire young people to embrace their music and heritage, promoting love and peace in the process,” he added.
Following their US tour, the group will return to South Africa in April 2025, where they will take their music on a national tour through May, featuring performances in vibrant cities such as Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, culminating in December.
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
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