The group ‘Ladysmith Black Mambazo’ sings without musical instruments (a cappella) and they have a performance style which is a mixture of traditional South African Zulu songs and South African isicathamiya dance moves (a soft, shuffling style of dance with choral part-singing).

Their Music:

1. 1973- Nomathemba- This means ‘Mother of Hope’ and was their first hit single.
2. 1976- Wazithwal’Izono Jesu- Many of their songs became Christian after Joseph
   became Christian himself.
3. 1999-I Shall be There- A pop collaboration with Irish group B*Witched.
4. 2003- Selingelethu Sonke- The first song written by the group all about fair trade in
   Africa.
5. 2006- Long Walk to Freedom- – A song about the struggles of apartheid.

Interesting Facts!

• Ladysmith Black Mambazo have made over 50 albums and are South
  Africa’s best-selling musicians.
• Group founder Joseph Shabalala retired from performing in 2014 and sadly died in February 2020 at the age of 78.
• Four of his sons still sing and perform with the group and they continue to perform shows around the world.

Listen to Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Music!