Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- Type: Band/Group
- Country: South Africa
- Born: February 22, 1973 in Ladysmith, South Africa
- Active: 1964 - Present
Biography
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a globally celebrated South African male choral group known for its intricate harmonies and performances in the traditional Zulu vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. Formed in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala, the group achieved international prominence after their collaboration with *Paul Simon* on his 1986 album 'Graceland'. This exposure led to a worldwide audience and multiple Grammy Awards, including for their album 'Shaka Zulu' released on #Warner Bros.#. Hailed by Nelson Mandela as "South Africa's Cultural Ambassadors to the World," their music often carries messages of peace, love, and cultural preservation, making them one of the most prolific and revered groups from the African continent.
Genres
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Discography
- Amabutho (1973) - Album - rated 4.05/5
- Ushaka (1977) - Album - rated 3.47/5
- Journey of Dreams (1988) - Album - rated 3.95/5
- Two Worlds One Heart (1990) - Album - rated 3.85/5
- Inkanyezi Nezazi (1992) - Album - rated 3.5/5
- Liph' Iqiniso (1993) - Album - rated 3.95/5
- The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo: The Star and Wiseman (1998) - Compilation
- Raise Your Spirit Higher (2003) - Album - rated 3.88/5
- Long Walk to Freedom (2006) - Album - rated 3.55/5
- Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu (2007) - Album - rated 3.94/5
- Songs from a Zulu Farm (2011) - Album - rated 3.58/5
Members
- Joseph Shabalala - founder, lead vocals (1960–2014)
- Headman Shabalala - vocals (1960–1991)
- Jockey Shabalala - vocals (1960–2006)
- Enoch Shabalala - vocals (1960–1993)
- Ben Shabalala - vocals (1974–2004)
- Albert Mazibuko - vocals (1969–Present)
- Milton Mazibuko - vocals (1973–1980)
- Abednego Mazibuko - vocals (1980–Present)
- Russel Mthembu - vocals (1975–2004)
- Jabulani Dubazana - vocals (1975–2004)
- Thulani Shabalala - vocals (1993–Present)
- Msizi Shabalala - vocals (1993–Present)
- Sibongiseni Shabalala - vocals (1993–Present)
- Thamsanqa Shabalala - vocals (1993–Present)
- Pius Shezi - vocals (2010–Present)
- Sabelo Mthembu - vocals (2010–Present)
- Mfanafuthi Dlamini - vocals (2010–Present)