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song sample
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Homeless
artist personnel
Joseph Shabalala vocals Msizi Shabalala vocals Russel Mthembu vocals Albert Mazibuko vocals Thulani Shabalala vocals Thamsanqa Shabalala vocals Sibongiseni Shabalala vocals Abednego Mazibuko vocals Ngane Dlamini vocals
Ladysmith Black Mambazo thursday, march 11, 7:30PM Congregation Sherith Israel
$30| $45| $65 Premium buy tickets

A South African institution, Ladysmith Black Mambazo sparks a gentle fire to stir passions and lift sunken spirits. The all-male a cappella group began back in the early ‘60s, when Joseph Shabalala infused the unifying spirit of sacred vocal harmonies with the secular song and dance styles of South African folk traditions. But it wasn’t until 1986 that they broke through to a mass audience, through Paul Simon’s era-defining Graceland project. Since then, the group has become known as a global ambassador for post-apartheid South Africa. They have been nominated for a stunning 13 Grammy Awards and won three, most recently in 2009 for their Heads Up release entitled Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu. Wherever they perform, even huge venues are transformed into warm, traditional gathering places—in which a crowd of strangers looks more like a room full of cherished friends.

“Using their majestic voices and nothing else, Ladysmith Black Mambazo produces a full orchestra of sound... with uplifting harmonies and satisfying crescendos.” San Francisco Chronicle “South Africa’s inimitable Ladysmith Black Mambazo has given listeners insight into the struggle of apartheid and a unique choral tradition as rich as it is moving.” Boston Herald “It's been 16 years since Nelson Mandela was freed, and Mambazo has continued to preach a spirit of national pride and reconciliation to audiences the world over.” Philadelphia Inquirer