Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo: South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choral group singing in the local vocal styles of a capella music, fondly known as “isicathamiya” and “mbube” – ezika cothoza mfana. They have since won multiple awards, including five Grammy Awards, the fifth of which they dedicated to the late former South African President Nelson Mandela.
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. The group became a mobile academy of South African cultural heritage through their African indigenous isicathamiya music.
Nelson Mandela, shortly after his release from prison, publicly stated that the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo were “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors”. At Mandela’s request, Ladysmith Black Mambazo accompanied the future President of South Africa to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway, in 1993. Mambazo sang again at President Mandela’s inauguration in May 1994, and then later at his birthday celebrations.
“Music is for peace. When you sing, you feel like you want people to come together and love each other and share ideas.” – Joseph Bhekizizwe Shabalala (28 August 1940 – 11 February 2020)
Sources:Wikipedia.Elijah Wald, “Joseph Shabalala Interview”, Songobiography, Januar
