Ladysmith Black Mambazo

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo are, as termed by Nelson Mandela, “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World.” For more than 60 years, the five-time Grammy Award winners have warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter.

The group was introduced to the world in 1987 by Paul Simon who incorporated the group’s rich harmonies into his renowned Graceland album – a landmark recording considered seminal in introducing World Music to mainstream audiences.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo sings a traditional music style called isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Mee-Ya), a type of secular a cappella choral singing developed in South Africa by migrant Zulu communities. Isicathamiya is a synthesis of diverse traditions, including local music and Christian choral singing. Isicathamiya is performed in call-and-response fashion by male choral ensembles.

Today, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is Thulani Shabalala, Sibongiseni Shabalala, Thamsanqa Shabalala, Msizi Shabalala, Albert Mazibuko, Abednego Mazibuko, Mfanafuthi Dlamini, Pius Shezi and Sabelo Mthembu.

Part of the Westchester Automated Gate World Music Series