South Africa 
Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
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Ladysmith Black Mambazo, hailed as "South Africa's Cultural Ambassadors," has transitioned from local acclaim to international stardom, spreading messages of peace and harmony through their unique vocal tradition.
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Request A ShowLadysmith Black Mambazo's journey to international fame began with a collaboration with Paul Simon on his 1986 album, Graceland.
In 1967, the group began to make recordings for the SABC station Radio Zulu, appearing in DJ Alexius Buthelezi's popular Cothoza Mfana programme, which spotlighted the music of several local choirs.
In 1972 the group signed with Gallo Record Company under producer West Nkosi at the organisation's African music division, Mavuthela Music Company.
After Graceland, Simon acted as producer for their first album for US release on Warner Brothers Records, Shaka Zulu (1987). Two more records were recorded for Warner Brothers Records in the US: Journey of Dreams (1988) and Two Worlds One Heart (1990).
In 1988, Ladysmith Black Mambazo appeared in Michael Jackson's movie Moonwalker, where they performed "The Moon Is Walking" over the end credits.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo was also featured in the Sesame Street song "Put Down the Duckie", as well as "The African Alphabet".
In August 1990, Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed together with the Cologne group Bläck Fööss in front of the Cologne Cathedral.
In 1995 South Africa was the host and eventual winners of the Rugby World Cup, in which Ladysmith Black Mambazo collaborated with PJ Powers in recording and performing World in Union.
In 1996, the group appeared on Dolly Parton's album Treasures, collaborating with Parton on a cover of Cat Stevens' "Peace Train"; they joined Parton for an appearance on a November 1996 US network television special to perform the song.
In 1997, for a run of UK television advertisements, "Toast for Life", for Heinz soups, baked beans and tomato ketchup, the group recorded an abridged version of "Inkanyezi Nezazi" ("The Star and the Wiseman").
In 1999, the group collaborated with Irish pop group B*Witched on their single "I Shall Be There", which hit No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart.
Wenyukela was a success in South Africa, prompting its release in Britain in March 2003 on Wrasse Records.
Following the repeated success of the album [Wenyukela], the American-based Heads Up International released the album in January 2004 and it garnered the group their second Grammy Award.
On [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with a multitude of artists including Zap Mama, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Joe McBride, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal.
On [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with a multitude of artists including Zap Mama, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Joe McBride, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal.
On [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with a multitude of artists including Zap Mama, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Joe McBride, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal.
On [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with a multitude of artists including Zap Mama, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Joe McBride, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal.
On [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with a multitude of artists including Zap Mama, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Joe McBride, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal.
On [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with a multitude of artists including Zap Mama, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Joe McBride, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal.
On [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with a multitude of artists including Zap Mama, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Joe McBride, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal.
On the album [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with South African musicians including Lucky Dube, Phuzekhemisi, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa, Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela.
On the album [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with South African musicians including Lucky Dube, Phuzekhemisi, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa, Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela.
On the album [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with South African musicians including Lucky Dube, Phuzekhemisi, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa, Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela.
On the album [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with South African musicians including Lucky Dube, Phuzekhemisi, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa, Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela.
On the album [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with South African musicians including Lucky Dube, Phuzekhemisi, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa, Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela.
On the album [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with South African musicians including Lucky Dube, Phuzekhemisi, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa, Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela.
On the album [Long Walk to Freedom] the group recorded with South African musicians including Lucky Dube, Phuzekhemisi, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Nokukhanya, Thandiswa, Vusi Mahlasela and Hugh Masekela.
In April 2006, Mambazo collaborated with Josh Groban for his third studio album, Awake. The songs, "Weeping" and "Lullaby", featured a clear South African influence; lines from a Mambazo song, "Wangibambezela" ("Message from his Heart") were added to the backing track of "Weeping".
In August 2006, Mambazo began working with Mavis Staples in a collaboration for Staples's new album.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo was featured on the track Lift Me Up, along with Norwegian duo Nico & Vinz, on David Guetta's 2014 album Listen.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo was featured on the track Lift Me Up, along with Norwegian duo Nico & Vinz, on David Guetta's 2014 album Listen.
Other features in 2016 include a vocal appearance on "Facing a Task Unfinished" by Keith and Kristyn Getty.
Other features in 2016 include a vocal appearance on "Wake Up" by Jennifer Saran.
Other features in 2016 include a vocal appearance on Vian Izak's single "Brink of Love".
"We are working with something with Maphorisa and other young South African artists. We have an Afrotech and three step tracks on this song."
The Soweto Central Chorus is set to unveil its latest musical offering, 'Usuku Oluzayo,' in collaboration with the iconic Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Cerity Partners is mentioned in connection to a Momentum Series event featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Caffè Lena. This possibly indicates sponsorship or partnership for certain performances or initiatives.
Founded in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo began as a male choral group in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Initially known as “Ezimnyama” (“The Black Ones”), the group quickly gained recognition for their distinct vocal style, blending traditional Zulu isicathamiya and mbube music. By 1964, Joseph Shabalala reformed the group, incorporating younger relatives and refining their sound based on musical harmonies he experienced in dreams. This led to their dominance in local isicathamiya competitions, to the extent that they were eventually requested to perform without competing due to their consistent success. In 1972, the group signed with Gallo Record Company, releasing their debut album, “Amabutho,” in 1973, which achieved gold status and marked a significant milestone as the first album by a Black artist or group in South Africa to do so. Their subsequent albums frequently earned gold and platinum certifications, establishing them as a prominent musical force within South Africa.
The group’s international prominence significantly increased in 1986 following their collaboration with American artist Paul Simon on his “Graceland” album. This partnership introduced their music to a global audience, leading to performances on “Saturday Night Live” and extensive international tours. The album’s success provided a platform for Ladysmith Black Mambazo to release their first album for the U.S. market, “Shaka Zulu,” in 1987, which earned them their first Grammy Award in 1988 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. They continued to collaborate with various artists and appeared in films and television programs, expanding their reach and influence. The group became “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors,” a designation given by Nelson Mandela, whom they accompanied to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo in 1993 and performed for at his inauguration in 1994, symbolizing hope and cultural pride.
Over the subsequent decades, Ladysmith Black Mambazo maintained a robust touring schedule and continued to release critically acclaimed music, earning multiple Grammy Awards for albums such as “Raise Your Spirit Higher” (2004), “Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu” (2009), “Live: Singing for Peace Around the World” (2014), and “Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration” (2018). Joseph Shabalala, the founder, transitioned leadership to his sons Thulani, Sibongiseni, and Thamsanqa Shabalala in 2014, ensuring the continuation of the group’s legacy and mission. The group has also established The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Foundation to preserve and teach traditional South African culture and isicathamiya music to younger generations, demonstrating a commitment to their heritage.
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