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Ladysmith Black Mambazo talks new album, group’s legacy and inspiration

By Emily Cummins, Public Relationsh Coordinator

Designated as “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World” by the late South African President Nelson Mandela, acclaimed a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been on a mission to spread peace, love and harmony all around the world through song. They plan to “bring the sunshine” to Bethlehem during their performance at the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling March 7, 7:30 p.m.

Founded by Joseph Shabalala, in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo established themselves as the most successful singing group in South Africa. In 1986, they were launched onto the world stage through their appearance on Paul Simon’s Graceland, which was later considered a pivotal moment in introducing world music to mainstream audiences. Simon later produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s first worldwide release, Shaka Zulu, which won the group’s first of four GRAMMY Awards.

Now led by Shabalala’s sons, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have received their 17th GRAMMY nomination for their latest studio album, Walking In The Footsteps Of Our Fathers. The album is dedicated to the original members of the group, as well as the many people who have work to transform South Africa. Songs include “Long Walk to Freedom,” which commemorates former President Nelson Mandela and the many heroes who sacrificed and fought for freedom for all South Africa; “Phalamende,” which portrays a free nation and better society; and “Mina Kangivumanga,” which praises the equality of all, no matter what color, culture or country.

As the group tours the U.S. performing music from this album, as well as their greatest hits, we chatted with Albert Mazibuko, who’s been with the group since 1969.

As a group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been around for more than 50 years. What do you think is the secret to your success and longevity?

I could say the secret to our success is that the music has got a message. Our mission is to spread love, peace and harmony through the music so the message is a positive one. Our aim is to encourage people through the music, like some people living hard lives think if things are not going right today, they will soon get better because in life there is always hope.

With the group’s mission of spreading peace, love and harmony, how does that manifest in your music?

Our music is joy, and we share that with our audience, and we try to inspire others. You would be amazed at what inspires us. Growing up in a not so pleasing environment, you need something to make you stronger. It is in our culture. Everybody sings on the farm. You find a way to escape and create the positive environment in yourself in any circumstance. This is what inspires us; people who say “instead of sitting, feeling sorry for ourselves, let’s sing because tomorrow will be better than today.”

Through the group’s history, you’ve been associated closely with the struggle to end Apartheid in South Africa. What is the importance of politics in music to you and how do you hope to influence others?

A lot of our songs deal with this specifically. There was a time in South Africa when the political parties were killing each other left and right and we had written a song that asked everyone to come together in peace. It’s powerful to say something through song that puts the emotion there for everyone to see and hear and it impacted people. We were asked to sing at rallies, and we of course wanted to help all our brothers and sisters. Dr. Nelson Mandela, he requested us to sing his inauguration. In the song “King of Kings” we start with a prayer

Oh Kings of Kings
King of Kings
We kneel before you Father, appealing
Asking for peace in the rest of the country
Lord of Lords
We kneel before you Father, appealing
Asking for peace in the rest of the country

We hope our music influences people to look at situations the way we look at it.

The group has had some outstanding collaborations with artists from around the globe. What are your favorites, and what styles of music are the most fun to incorporate with your music?

We enjoy all collaborations. Of course Paul Simon introduced us to the world stage. For me the standout studio collaboration was with Dolly Parton. When we got there, she was this beautiful lady and so happy. She listened to the song, and then she had a costume change and then we worked some more. The whole time, she changed her costume four times (laughs). That really made the recording a special and fun experience for us all. It is always a wonderful experience in the studio, working with Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Melissa Etheridge, but Dolly Parton is one I will never forget.

What was it like to pair music with dance in your latest collaboration with Rambert Dance Company’s Inala – A Zulu Ballet?

This was a great experience that worked so beautifully. The team writing songs was song talented, but then came the challenge of putting dance to the music. It was a totally different experience for us, so it’s wonderful to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you stand on your toes.

What’s the most memorable performance for the group and what made it special?

Really the privilege for us is just to be in front of people; it does not matter if the people are many or few. The importance is to share the music and be with them while they enjoy it.

What can the audience expect during Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s show at the Musikfest Café?

We now have a younger generation of members, and we are celebrating our history while also letting these new voices shine. People can expect beautiful singing with lots of dancing, a vibrant performance.

Any advice for fans?

In life you shouldn’t give up! You have to stand up for you rights, but doing what is just good for you is not helping anyone.

WXPN Welcomes Ladysmith Black Mambazo
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling

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