Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, London , 2018

Ladysmith Black Mambazo (LBM) is an a cappella group from South Africa . The group was founded in Ladysmith in what is now KwaZulu-Natal Province in the early 1960s . The black in the name refers to the 'black ox', which is (traditionally) the strongest animal on an (African) farm. Mambazo means 'ax'.

The composition of the name is due to the fact that LBM symbolically "knocked down" the competition in earlier musical competitions because of their powerful voices like an ax. They were therefore always the winners in these competitions (ie the “top dog” or the “black ox”). During the Graceland concert , Paul Simon mentions the same meaning of the name when introducing LBM. Until his death on February 11, 2020, Joseph Shabalala led the all-male choir in the tradition of Mbube and Isicathamiya , the traditional male choral singing of the Zulu .

1960-1986

Joseph Shabalala (1941-2020) founded Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1964 after allegedly dreaming for six months of “perfect” Isicathamiya harmonies, the traditional chants of the Zulu. Since the 1950s, many of the members, mostly brothers and cousins of Shabalala, had sung together under the name Ezimnyama Ngenkani ('The Blacks'), but without gaining national fame.

After Ladysmith Black Mambazo achieved success at local wedding parties between Durban and Johannesburg , she began participating in Isicathamiya competitions. The group was soon considered so good that they were occasionally asked to perform but not take part in the competition.

Since 1967 LBM recorded for Radio Zulu. In 1972 the group signed a deal with producer West Nkosi and in 1973 released their first album Amabutho on Gallo Records , the first African LP to receive a gold record for more than 25,000 copies sold . To date, LBM has produced more than 30 other albums. The following plates also received gold or platinum awards. From the second record release, the singers had become professional musicians.

In 1975 Shabalala converted to Christianity and Ladysmith Black Mambazo released their first religious album, Ukukhanya Kwelanga , which went twice platinum. One of the most famous religious records was Ukusindiswa from 1976. In 1981 the group was allowed to travel to Cologne. LBM toured Germany, appeared on television and learned the German language to such an extent that she sang the piece We greet you all in German on the record Phansi Emgodini (1981) . In 1982, LBM returned to Germany again to appear on a TV quiz.

1986-1994

In 1986 Ladysmith Black Mambazo achieved the international breakthrough by working with the American musician Paul Simon for his LP Graceland . Paul Simon traveled to South Africa in 1985 to find black musicians to work with. The recordings took place in London. The first piece was Homeless , a composition by Shabalala with English texts by Simon. Although both were accused of breaking the cultural boycott against South Africa, the album became one of the most successful albums of the 1980s. This success also paved the way for other artists to gain international recognition, such as Stimela and the Mahotella Queens .

After Graceland , Simon worked with LBM as producer on three albums for the American market: Shaka Zulu (1987), for which LBM received their first Grammy in the world music category , Journey of Dreams (1988) and Two Worlds, One Heart (1990) .

On December 10, 1991, Shabalala's brother, bass singer Headman Shabalala, was shot dead by Sean Nicholas, a white security agent. His death was viewed as a racist murder by Paul Simon and he was prosecuting Nicholas. Shabalala stopped singing until he returned to the stage with three previous members and four of his sons in 1993.

1994-2002

The apartheid system had collapsed in 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years and finally elected president . The album Liph 'Iqiniso (1993) was the first album under these new conditions. The last track on this record, Isikifil 'Inkululeko ( ' Freedom has arrived '), celebrated the end of apartheid.

Nelson Mandela called the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo the cultural ambassadors of South Africa. In 1993 Nelson Mandela asked LBM to accompany him at the ceremony for the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo . When Mandela was sworn in as President of South Africa in May 1994, the group sang again.

In 1998, the group recorded a version of the song Inkanyezi Nezazi for Heinz company promotions , which ran in Great Britain and were so successful that LBM released the original from 1992 as a single, which landed at number two on the British singles chart. This was followed by the compilation The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo: The Star and the Wiseman , which went platinum three times and sold a million copies in the UK alone. In addition to worldwide tours, LBM has worked with Peter Gabriel , Stevie Wonder , Dolly Parton , The Winans , Julia Fordham , George Clinton , B * Witched , The Corrs , Ben Harper and, in addition to Nelson Mandela, also for Pope John Paul II and the British royal family .

2002-2006

In May 2002, Shabalala's wife Nellie was murdered. Shabalala's hand was injured while trying to protect her. This happened during the recording of Wenyukela , the first album with new material since Lihl 'Ixhiba Likagogo (2000).

Many of the pieces on this CD deal with ethical issues such as racism , driving under the influence of alcohol , violence before the elections in South Africa in 1994 , fair trade in Africa and Christian issues. Wenyukela became another huge hit, selling six million copies in the United States alone and earning the group their second Grammy.

For the CD No Boundaries LBM worked with the English Chamber Orchestra in 2005 and arranged several standard works of classical music ( Bach's Jesus bleibet meine Freude , Mozart's Ave verum corpus ) and own pieces ( Homeless , Awu, Wemadoda , Ngingenwe Emoyeni ). Despite initial irritation due to the mixture of European classical music with the Zulu folklore, the album sold very well and was nominated for a Grammy.

With the CD Long Walk to Freedom the Ladysmith Black Mambazo celebrated their 45th anniversary in 2006, during which the group had 30 different members. 20 years after Graceland , LBM recorded with a variety of artists including Zap Mama , Sarah McLachlan , Melissa Etheridge , Joe McBride , Natalie Merchant , Emmylou Harris , Taj Mahal and South African artists Lucky Dube , Phuzekhemisi , Bhekumuzi Luthuli , Nokukhanya , Thandiswa , Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela .

The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Foundation

In January 1999, Joseph Shabalala founded The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Foundation . The aim of the organization is to introduce young Zulu South Africans to their own traditional music and culture. A separate building will include rehearsal and classrooms as well as its own recording studio.

Movie

On Tiptoe: Gentle Steps to Freedom , which was also nominated for Best Documentary Short at the 73rd Academy Awards, represents the group.

Discography

Studio albums

1973: Amabutho (Motella)
1973: Imbongi! (Motella)
1974: Istimela (Motella)
1975: Shintsha Sithothobala (Motella)
1975: Ukukhanya Kwelanga (Motella)
1976: Ukusindiswa (Motella)
1976: Phezulu Emafini (Motella)
1976: Amaqhawe (Motella)
1977: Ushaka (Motella)
1979: Intokzo (Ezom Dabu)
1979: Ezinkulu (Ezom Dabu)
1980: Nqonqotha Mfana (Gallo)
1981: Phansi Emgodini (Ezom Dabu)
1982: Umthombo Wamanzi (Ezom Dabu)
1983: Induku Zethu (Ezom Dabu)
1985: Inala (Ezom Dabu)
1985: Ulwandle Oluncgwele (Ezom Dabu)
1986: Ezulwini Siyakhona (Ezom Dabu)
1987: Shaka Zulu ( Warner Bros. Records )
1987: Thandani (Ezom Dabu)
1988: Journey of Dreams (Warner Bros. Records)
1990: Two Worlds One Heart (Warner Bros. Records)
1992: Inkanyezi Nezazi (Flame Tree)
1993: Liph 'Iqiniso (Shanachie)
1994: Gift of the Tortoise (Gallo)
1995: Thuthukani Ngoxolo (Wrasse Records)
1995: Izigqi Zendoda (Gallo)
1995: Gospel Songs (double album, Wrasse Records)
1997: Heavenly (Gallo Records)
1999: In Harmony (Universal Music TV)
2003: Raise Your Spirit Higher (Wenyukela) (Wrasse Records)
2006: Long Walk to Freedom (Gallo)
2007: Isitimela (Gallo)
2008: Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu (Gallo)
2010: Songs from a Zulu Farm (Listen 2 Entertainment Group)
2011: African Sun (double album, Sommerset Entertainment)

Chart placements

Albums

year	title	Top ranking, total weeks, awardChartsChart placements (Year, title, rankings, weeks, awards, notes)	Remarks
year	title	UK	Remarks
1987	Shaka Zulu	UK34 silver (11 weeks)UK	First published: 1987
1997	Inkanyezi Nezazi ...	UK84 gold (1 week)UK	First publication: 1992
1997	Heavenly	UK53 (24 weeks) UK	First published: 1997
1998	The Best Of - The Star and the Wiseman	UK2 × 3 Triple platinum (41 weeks)UK	First published: 1998
1999	In harmony	UK15th silver (5 weeks)UK	First published: 1999
2001	The Ultimate Collection	UK37 (4 weeks) UK	First published: 2001

Collaborations / split albums

1989: How the Leopard Got His Spots (Spoken-Word-Album with Danny Glover , Warner Bros Records)
1990: The Lion Sleeps Tonight single, with The Mint Juleps, Elektra
1992: South Africa: Cologne Zulu Festival (live album together with Johnny Clegg & Sipho Mchunu, Network Medien)
1996: Ukuzala Ukuzelula (Ladysmith Black Mambazo ne Nzalabantu , Gallo Records)
2004: No Boundaries (Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Strings of the English Chamber Orchestra . Conducted by Ralf Gothóni , Heads Up International)
2004: Steel Storm (Africanism Loves Ladysmith Black Mambazo (12``, Yellow Productions))
2008: We Are Together (Songs From The Motion Picture) (Ladysmith Black Mambazo present The Children of Agape Choir, EMI )
2010: Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Friends (Razor & Tie)

Live albums

1999: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Shanachie)
2005: Live at Montreux 1987/1989/2000 (Eagle Records)

Compilations

1990: Classic Tracks (Shanachie)
1991: Zulu Traditional ( JVC , for the Japanese market)
1992: Best Of (Shanachie)
1997: Spirit of South Africa - The Very Best Of (Nascente)
1998: The Best Of Vol. 1 ( Koch International )
1998: The Best Of (The Star and the Wiseman) (Polygram)
1998: The Best Of Vol. 2 (Shanachie)
1999: Peace & Love (Marks & Spencer)
1999: The Best Of (Hart Records)
2000: The Warner brothers Collection (Warner Archives)
2000: Favorites (Wrasse Records)
2001: The Ultimate Collection (Universal Music)
2002: The Chillout Sessions (Gallo)
2004: The Very Best Of Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain (2CD, Wrasse Records)
2005: Best Of - Out of Africa (Gallo)
2009: Tip Toe Guys: The Soul Of - A Story of Zulu Harmony (2CD, Nascente)
2012: The Pure & The Golden (2CD, Metro Select)
2013: Colors of Africa (Gallo)
2016: Celebrating Our History 1973-1974: Amabutho / Isitimela (in-house production)

Singles

1976: Gijimani Wezintombi (Motella)
1976: Igama Likajesu (Motella)
1976: Uthando (Motella)
1976: Ngxa Ngimbona Umsindisi (Motella)
1979: Nearer My God / Praise the Lord (Black Hi-Lights Records)
1980: Tsamaya Pelo Yaka (Ezom Dabu)
1987: Hello My Baby (Warner Bros. Records)
1987: That's Why I Choose You (Serengeti)
1988: Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain (Warner Bros. Records)
1990: Township Jive (Warner Bros. Records)
1995: Swing Low Sweet Chariot (feat.China Black , Polygram TV )
1995: World in Union '95 (feat.PJ Powers, Polygram Records)
1997: Knockin 'on Heaven's Door ( feat.Dolly Parton , Van Record Company)
1997: Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star And The Wiseman) (AM: PM)
1998: The Star And The Wiseman (Remixes) (AM: PM)
1999: Shosholoza 99 (Universal Music TV)
1999: Ain't No Sunshine ( feat.Des'ree , Wrasse Records)
1999: Abezizwe (Universal Music)

Chart placements

Singles

year	Title album	Top ranking, total weeks, awardChartsChart placements (Year, title, album , rankings, weeks, awards, notes)	Remarks
year	Title album	UK	Remarks
1995	Swing Low Sweet Chariot	UK15 (6 weeks) UK	First published: 1995
1995	World in Union '95	UK47 (5 weeks) UK	First published: 1995
1997	Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star And The Wiseman)	UK33 (3 weeks) UK	First published: 1997
1998	The Star And The Wiseman (Remixes)	UK63 (2 weeks) UK	First published: 1998
1999	Ain't no sunshine	UK42 (2 weeks) UK	First published: 1999

Guest Posts

1986: Homeless and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes on the album Graceland by Paul Simon
1990: Cartrouble on the album Slap! from Chumbawamba
1990: Coast on Paul Simon's album The Rhythm of the Saints
1990_ The Moon Is Walking (End Credits) on Moonwalker by Michael Jackson
1991: Police State on State of Art Community
1991: Passage to Promise on Book of Roses by Andreas Vollenweider
1992: Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of Spartacus by Jeff Wayne
1994: Biko by Manu Dibango
1994: African Alphabet (feat. Kermit ) and Sing on Sesame Street Celebrates!
1995: Take the Time Out on Conversation Peace by Stevie Wonder
1995: World in Union on Woman of Africa by PJ Powers
1996: Peace Train / Isitimela Sokuthula on Treasures by Dolly Parton
1997: Bhambororo! on Kryptos by Andreas Vollenweider
1999: Amazing Grace / Nearer My God To Thee on I Got Stung by Paul McCartney
1999: I Shall Be There on Awake and Breathe by B * Witched
1999: We Are One by Angélique Kidjo
2003: Picture of Jesus on Diamonds on the Inside by Ben Harper
2004: Borrowed Heaven on Borrowed Heaven by The Corrs
2006: Lullaby and Weeping on Awake by Josh Groban
2007: Sylvie on Still Waters by Louise Setara
2007: We'll Never Turn Back by Mavis Staples
2014: Hamba Uyosebenza on Nostalgic Moments by The Soil

Awards

1988: Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Recording for the album Shaka Zulu

2005: Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album for Raise Your Spirit Higher

2005: Kora All African Music Award in the Traditional Group of the Year category

2008: Order of Ikhamanga in silver

2014: Grammy in the category Best World Music Album for the live album Singing for Peace Around the World

2018: Grammy in the Best World Music Album category for Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration

Web links

Literature by and about Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the catalog of the German National Library
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Discogs (English)
official homepage

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↑ E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Joseph Shabalala. New Video Group, 2004.

↑ V. Erlmann: Night Song. Interview with Joseph Shabalala. The University of Chicago Press, 1996, p. 292.

↑ V. Erlmann: Night Song. Interview with Joseph Shabalala. The University of Chicago Press, 1996, p. 294.

↑ V. Erlmann: Night Song. The University of Chicago Press, 1996, p. 293.

↑ E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Patrick Buthelezi (Radio Zulu). New Video Group, 2004.

↑ ^a ^b W. Nkosi: Ezulwini Siyakhona. Booklet. Gallo Record Company, 1986.

^ ^A ^b E. Simonson: On Tiptoe: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Paul Simon. New Video Group, 2004.

↑ M. Mankwane: Mahlathini, Mahotella Queens and Makgona Tsohle Band - Mbaqanga at its best! Interviews with Marks Mankwane and Mildred Mangxola. Gallo Record Company, 1997.

↑ E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Sibongiseni, Thamsanqa and Thulani Shabalala. New Video Group, 2004.

↑ J. Shabalala: Liph 'Iqiniso . Booklet and lyrics. Gallo Record Company, 1993.

^ J. Shabalala: Adam Boulton Meets Ladysmith Black Mambazo , interviews with members of the group. Sky News, 1999.

^ A. Boulton: Adam Boulton Meets Ladysmith Black Mambazo . Sky News, 1999.

↑ E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. New Video Group, 2004.

↑ South African Press Association, article on the issue of Raise Your Spirit Higher in the USA ( Memento of the original from June 12, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link has been inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , 2004. @1@ 2

^ N. Williamson: Long Walk to Freedom. Booklet. Headsup International, 2006.

↑ ^a ^b Chart sources albums: UK

↑ Music Sales Awards: UK

↑ List of the 2005 Kora event winners ( Memento of the original from July 26, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed February 23, 2010 @1@ 2

↑ List of recipients of the order 2008 (English), accessed on June 19, 2014

[1] E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Joseph Shabalala. New Video Group, 2004.

[2] V. Erlmann: Night Song. Interview with Joseph Shabalala. The University of Chicago Press, 1996, p. 292.

[3] V. Erlmann: Night Song. Interview with Joseph Shabalala. The University of Chicago Press, 1996, p. 294.

[4] V. Erlmann: Night Song. The University of Chicago Press, 1996, p. 293.

[5] E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Patrick Buthelezi (Radio Zulu). New Video Group, 2004.

[Nkosi-6] W. Nkosi: Ezulwini Siyakhona. Booklet. Gallo Record Company, 1986.

[Simonson-Simon-7] A ^b E. Simonson: On Tiptoe: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Paul Simon. New Video Group, 2004.

[8] M. Mankwane: Mahlathini, Mahotella Queens and Makgona Tsohle Band - Mbaqanga at its best! Interviews with Marks Mankwane and Mildred Mangxola. Gallo Record Company, 1997.

[9] E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. Interview with Sibongiseni, Thamsanqa and Thulani Shabalala. New Video Group, 2004.

[10] J. Shabalala: Liph 'Iqiniso . Booklet and lyrics. Gallo Record Company, 1993.

[11] J. Shabalala: Adam Boulton Meets Ladysmith Black Mambazo , interviews with members of the group. Sky News, 1999.

[12] A. Boulton: Adam Boulton Meets Ladysmith Black Mambazo . Sky News, 1999.

[13] E. Simonson: On Tip: Gentle Steps to Freedom. New Video Group, 2004.