LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Language is no barrier in ensemble’s songs of hope

Introduced to American audiences two decades ago by singer-songwriter Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has since earned worldwide acclaim, and two Grammy awards. By blending the intricate rhythms and tightly woven harmonies of their native South Africa with the soaring soulfulness of gospel music, the men of Mambazo create an unforgettable sound.

With more than 40 recorded albums, including such landmark discs as Shaha Zulu, Raise Your Spirit Higher-Wenyukela, No Boundaries, and Long Walk to Freedom, Mambazo has earned a permanent place in the pantheon of world music.

The acapella ensemble has also attracted legions of fans around the globe, including some of the world’s most popular contemporary musicians. Since the mid-1980s, when Simon visited South Africa and incorporated Mambazo’s multi-layered harmonies into his ground-breaking Graceland album, artists of nearly every genre have sought out the group for collaborative projects. As a result, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded with artists such as Pete Seeger, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, The Corrs, Ben Harper, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, and Josh Groban.

The group’s dazzling musicianship—and its inspiring messages of hope, love, peace, and justice—have led to several special appearances, including a concert for Pope John Paul II in Rome, a performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics, two Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, and the 2002 celebration that marked the 50th anniversary of the reign of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.

Joseph Shabalala, the group’s leader and founder, expresses Mambazo’s mission succinctly: “To bring the gospel of loving one another all over the world.”