Ladysmith Black Mambazo | Artist

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choral group formed 1960 in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, by Joseph Shabalala. The group sings in isicathamiya and mbube vocal styles of the Zulu people. Shalabalala and the group became popular singing in competitions throughout the Ladysmith district. In 1973 they released their first album, Amabutho, which received gold disc certification in South Africa. Their big breakthrough happened in 1986 with their collaboration with Paul Simon, who had travelled to South Africa to work with African musicians for his Graceland album. The success of that album, which sold 16 million copies, paved the way for international releases by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Their first album for US release on Warner Brothers Records was 1987's Shaka Zulu which was produced by Simon and won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording in 1988. In 1999 Joseph Shabalala founded The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Foundation with the aim of teaching young Zulu children about their traditional culture and music, isicathamiya. Outstanding albums include Ulwandle Oluncgwele, Shaka Zulu, Liph' Iqiniso and Long Walk to Freedom, which features guest artists Zap Mama, Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant, Taj Mahal, and Emmylou Harris. The band also provide three tracks on The Lion King movie soundtrack.

Artist Website: mambazo.com

Featured Albums: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Related Artists: Paul Simon