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Ladysmith Black Mambazo

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choir that sings in the styles of isicathamiya and mbube. Joseph Shabalala founded the first version in 1960, under the name Ezimnyama, with brothers and cousins who had grown up together on the farm. In 1964 he had dreams for half a year about a choir singing in perfect harmony, and he tried to teach his group that sound. The name combines Ladysmith, the family's home town, the black ox as the strongest animal on the farm, and mambazo, the Zulu word for axe. The choir won so often that in the early 1970s it was no longer allowed to take part in the competitions.

Music and breakthrough

In 1972 the group signed a contract with Gallo. The album Amabutho appeared in 1973. After Shabalala's conversion to Christianity in 1976 many religious songs were added, and Ukukhanya Kwelanga became a success. The choir became known worldwide with Paul Simon's 1986 album Graceland. Simon then produced the album Shaka Zulu, which won a Grammy in 1988.

Influence

The music is polyphonic singing without instruments, with deep basses as the foundation and a lead singer above them. In this way the choir brought the South African singing tradition to an international audience. Nelson Mandela called the members South Africa's cultural ambassadors.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Nomathemba and notice how the deep bass voices form the foundation while the higher voices answer above them. Try to hear where the lead singer guides the sound of the choir.

Discography

Studio albums

Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsIsicathamiya and South African choirs