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You are here: Home / Music / Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Happy 93rd Birthday, Mr. Mandela! [Updated!]

Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Happy 93rd Birthday, Mr. Mandela! [Updated!]

by Imani Gandy (ABL)|  July 18, 20119:54 pm| 42 Comments

This post is in: Music

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Music that Inspires

It’s Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday today, but rather than focus on Mr. Mandela himself, I thought I might introduce some of you to the South African choral stylings of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

I have been listening Ladysmith Black Mambazo since as long as I can remember. My parents are, I suppose, what an NPR listener would call “World Music” fanatics. While they generally prefer West African music and Afropop, they used to drag me to Ladysmith concerts when I was a kid. I liked Ladysmith well enough at the time (as much as any fidgety kid with zero attention span possibly could), but it wasn’t until later that I became truly enthralled by their music and their messages of anti-racism, non-violence, peace, love, and faith. (Personal Note: My IRL name means faith in Swahili.)

Ladysmith was formed by Joseph Shabalala as a result “of a series of dreams he had in 1964, in which he heard certain isicathamiya harmonies (isicathamiya being the traditional music of the Zulu people).”

The name “Ladysmith Black Mambazo” is derived from: the hometown of Shabalala’s family, Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal; the black ox, considered to be the strongest farm animal; and mambazo, which means axe in the Zulu language, and is symbolic of the choir’s ability to “chop down” the competition.

Ladysmith garnered world acclaim after being “discovered” by Paul Simon in 1985, and recording the track “Homeless” for Simon’s album Graceland (which is one of my favorite albums in the history of everything):

In 1993, to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s release from prison two years prior, Ladysmith released an album entitled Liph’ Iqiniso. That year and at Mandela’s request, Ladysmith accompanied Mandela to the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway in 1993, and sang at President Mandela’s inauguration in May 1994.

Mandela has called Ladysmith Black Mambazo “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors.”

Although Ladysmith is still recording albums and touring (as far as I know), in 2008, Shabalala signaled that his retirement would be imminent but that his son would become the new leader of the group:

In the early 1960’s I had a dream of a type of singing group that I wanted to create. Not just a dream, in the wishful way, but an actual dream while I was asleep. This beautiful dream led to the creation of my group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Now, some forty five plus years later this original dream has led to so many more dreams. We have been awarded Grammy Awards, represented our homeland of South Africa at many prestigious events, including accompanying Nelson Mandela to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, traveled the world so many times and most importantly, spread a message of Peace, Love and Harmony to millions of people.

This was never a dream a black South African could ever imagine.

As the years have passed, and the 20th century became the 21st, I started to get asked what will happen to Ladysmith Black Mambazo once I retired, if I ever retired. Well, I have spent much time thinking about this. Ladysmith Black Mambazo was never about one person. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a mission. A mission to spread our message and to keep our culture alive and known. South Africa is a most wonderful place, filled with beautiful people. By touring, as we have, almost seven months every year for over twenty years, we have wanted to keep South Africa alive in people’s hearts.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a family. Within the group I have had brothers and cousins singing together. Over the past fifteen years, because of retirements and death, I have been joined by four of my sons. They are the future of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, our next generation. The mission and message will continue. When the time comes for me to finish touring and to stay home they will carry on my dream. As well, my son Thamsanqa (Tommy) will become the new leader of the group. Thus, the dream I had over forty five years ago will continue well into the 21st century. Ladysmith Black Mambazo must continue as the message of Peace, Love and Harmony never must be silenced. We never will be silenced and we hope our fans and friends around the world will keep wanting to hear this message.

Ngiyabonga! Thank you!

Shabalala has suffered more tragedy than any one person should have to, losing two brothers and his wife to violence. That he remains as positive and committed to his message of peace should be an inspiration to everyone.

Having seen them perform live many times, I”m telling you: If you ever get a chance to see them in concert, you simply must go. They are a true joy to watch.

To read more about Nelson Mandela and Mandela Day, click here, and for more information (tour and otherwise) about Ladysmith Black Mambozo, click here.

And, as always, Kulungile.1

UPDATE: I forgot my favorite song! Derp.

Ta na na na!

1 That’s “you’re welcome” in Zulu.

[cross-posted at ABLC] [edited for clarity re formation of Ladysmith]
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Reader Interactions

42Comments

  1. 1.

    Woodrowfan

    July 18, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    speaking of Mr. Mandela, check out this past weekend’s “Madam and Eve” (a South African cartoon)

    http://www.madamandeve.co.za/weekend_cartoon.php

  2. 2.

    General Stuck

    July 18, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    Making it to 93 after spending 27 or so years in prison is amazing. Happy B day Mr. Mandela.

    The Lion Sleeps Tonight was one of my very early in life fav tunes.

  3. 3.

    Handsome Stranger

    July 18, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Here’s my all-time favorite Ladysmith Black Mambazo performance:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJuEuRCKq1s

  4. 4.

    prufrock

    July 18, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Graceland is one of my favorites too. Simon performed Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes on SNL back in the 80’s with Ladysmith. It was amazing. Sadly, like all music performed on SNL, you can’t find it online.

  5. 5.

    gwangung

    July 18, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    Gen. Stuck No frickin’ kidding. Absolutely amazing.

  6. 6.

    Mike in NC

    July 18, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    For anybody interested in reading about the history of South Africa prior to the 20th century, I highly recommend “The Washing of the Spears: The Rise and Fall of the Zulu Nation” by Donald R. Morris (1965).

  7. 7.

    dogwood

    July 18, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    Thanks for the post. I’ve listened to Graceland at least once a week for the past 25 years; it never grow old to me. I remember when the album came out to wide acclaim and then the controversy began about Simon stealing LBM’s music and trying to claim it as his own. Silly controversy; great album.

  8. 8.

    HumboldtBlue

    July 18, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    Chicken skin, chicken skin. I have at least four CDs of Graceland and keep wearing them out.

  9. 9.

    Pavlov's Dog

    July 18, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Wow, man bites dog, or little Connor fights back after having the Palinista’s come after him for writing about the empty theater. He really goes after Breitbart et al:

    http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/07/how-i-became-the-subject-of-a-conspiracy-theory/242028/

  10. 10.

    dogwood

    July 18, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    prufrock:

    There’s a great video on youtube (same concert in Zimbabwe that ABL posted) of Simon and LBM doing Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, one of the greatest songs of all time.

  11. 11.

    Montysano

    July 18, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Pro-tip: Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the ultimate lullaby music. It worked without fail for Mrs. Monty and I, and for subsequent friends and relatives.

    I love Graceland, but prefer Rhythm of the Saints. Truly a splendid bit of work.

  12. 12.

    Brachiator

    July 18, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    In 1993, to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s release from prison two years prior, Ladysmith released an album entitled Liph’ Iqiniso. That year and at Mandela’s request, Ladysmith accompanied Mandela to the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway in 1993, and sang at President Mandela’s inauguration in May 1994.

    This gesture perhaps takes on additional significance when you remember how the old apartheid regime in South Africa tried to drive a wedge between the Zulu and other South African people.

    Happy birthday.

  13. 13.

    Xecky Gilchrist

    July 18, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    I too have seen Ladysmith Black Mambazo perform & enthusiastically second the recommendation.

  14. 14.

    HumboldtBlue

    July 18, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    Dogwood got it, here it is

  15. 15.

    Corner Stone

    July 18, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    Call it what you will but Bela Fleck’s documentary for Throw Down Your Heart sometimes available on Netlix Instant is just stunningly good.
    I’ve drunkenly played so many bass lines to that series I can’t count. Just awesome shit.

  16. 16.

    Seth Owen

    July 18, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    They are still touring, saw them earlier this year in New London, Connecticut.

  17. 17.

    Mr Stagger Lee

    July 18, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    Boy somewhere in the afterlife, the heads of Verwoerd, Malan, Vorster and other Afrikaners must be exploding seeing that Mandela is revered and loved. Happy Birthday Mandiba!
    You are one the 20th century’s better heroes.

  18. 18.

    BombIranForChrist

    July 18, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    I saw them up here in Washington a few years ago. Their live performance is astounding.

  19. 19.

    Liberty60

    July 18, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    Graceland was amazing, but also check out Shaka Zulu, LBM’s album follwing their work with Simon.

    Truly wonderful stuff.

  20. 20.

    Dave

    July 18, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    They were formed in 1960 because of a dream he had in 1964?

  21. 21.

    Tom Levenson

    July 18, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    A) comcur with all the love thrown LBM’s way, though I’ve found myself loving more Soweto jazz through the influence of my S. African bro in law.

    B) double concur with all the Mandela awe.

    C) have to say re that little bit of Friedersdor admiration from Pavlov’s Dog @ 9, young Conor’s linked piece reminds me of all the reasons I disdain his work. I might blog this, though I don’t actually think CF is worth the effort, but for all the “my enemy’s enemy is my friend” vibe his capacity to value argument over actual empirical knowledge drives me batty. Anyone who pines for Mitch Daniels and sees BoBo as an example of thoughtful journalism is, simply a useful and dangerous idiot.

  22. 22.

    MikeJ

    July 18, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    @Dave: Read the cited wikipedia article. It says they started singing in 1950 and then formed in 1960 because of dream he had in 1964.

    Further down it says he dumped a buncha people and brought in younger ones in ’64, so maybe the dream lead to his Pete Besting the others.

  23. 23.

    ABL

    July 18, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    They were formed in 1960 because of a dream he had in 1964?

    that doesn’t make much sense, does it?

    proofread fail on my part.

  24. 24.

    Donut

    July 18, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    I have seen LBM only once, performing “Nomathemba” at the Steppenwolf here in Chicago. Hands down it was one of the best pieces of musical theater I’ve ever seen.

    Happy Birthday to President Mandela.

  25. 25.

    ABL

    July 18, 2011 at 11:34 pm

    I love Graceland, but prefer Rhythm of the Saints. Truly a splendid bit of work.

    i love rhythm of the saints as well. graceland gets an added nostalgia boost since it reminds me of my parents.

  26. 26.

    Calouste

    July 18, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Ah, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I remember seeing them when they toured with their Graceland album. They were amazing. They were supported by some small white dude with an acoustic guitar who got a lot of stage time, but whose name escapes me at the moment.

  27. 27.

    trollhattan

    July 18, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    Lovely post. I’m not worthy to carry Mandela’s shoelaces–I can’t fathom how he endured his journey yet still spearheaded reconciliation, literally saving a nation (compare and contrast to Zimbabwe). Don’t typically choke up at movies but “Invictus” nearly did the trick.

    Also, too, great music, that.

  28. 28.

    Bmaccnm

    July 18, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    “They were supported by some small white dude with an acoustic guitar who got a lot of stage time, but whose name escapes me at the moment.”

    It’s taken me a long time to appreciate Paul Simon, but I’ve come to believe that the guy’s really good. Perfectly crafted pop music, things you hum for days after hearing them, not a misplaced word or note. Little dude’s okay.

    I mean that. After years of spending hours and hours with people doing universal things that feel singular and enormous while they are doing them (I’m a midwife. Thousands of babies get born every day, but every birth is the first ever to the one being born.), I appreciate Mr. Simon’s ability to hit universal notes. Even a lost, inarticulate soul can listen to his songs and say “That’s it. That’s exactly what I feel.” That’s a useful gift.

  29. 29.

    trollhattan

    July 18, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    @Bmaccnm:

    Agreed. It takes a mountain of skills to craft perfect pop songs and much meatier stuff as well, and Simon has mastered both. I consider the pop song a dead art (or at least shagged out after a long squawk).

    He’s restless and forever pushing himself to do new things. The musical analogue of Woody Allen.

  30. 30.

    Jewish Steel

    July 19, 2011 at 12:01 am

    Speaking of Township jive, Spokes Mashiyane is one of my faves:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BghcwUaVbvs

    Now try to be in a bad mood after listening to that.

  31. 31.

    Mnemosyne

    July 19, 2011 at 12:12 am

    In honor of Mr. Mandela’s birthday, I present this by the Special AKA. Sure, it’s completely obsolete, but I still love this song.

    (Sorry about the ad, but EMI sux and took everyone else’s posting of the video down.)

    Interesting bits about the song in Wikipedia.

  32. 32.

    Rabble Arouser

    July 19, 2011 at 12:33 am

    I can’t believe no one has put this up in this thread. If you haven’t seen it, enjoy. Sorry I no understand how linky worky.

  33. 33.

    Batocchio

    July 19, 2011 at 1:28 am

    Ladysmith Black Mambazo rocks. I’ve seen them live, and listened to them for years. Happy birthday to Mandela.

  34. 34.

    No one of Importance

    July 19, 2011 at 3:18 am

    Anyone who pines for Mitch Daniels and sees BoBo as an example of thoughtful journalism is, simply a useful and dangerous idiot.

    That article came across as “Wah wah wah, I’ve been such a *devoted* little arselicker, and yet they still don’t love me!”

    How can he *not* know what kind of people he’s tied his fortunes to? The expression, “you like down with dogs, you get up with fleas” comes to mind.

    He’s a waste of oxygen, and of the electricity needed to serve his pages to the internet.

    Edit: Hell, I forgot to say, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR MANDELA!”

  35. 35.

    rachel

    July 19, 2011 at 6:07 am

    Y’all may also want to check out Johnny Clegg and Savuka and Juluka.

  36. 36.

    Pococurante

    July 19, 2011 at 7:30 am

    LBM! Where is my dashiki…

  37. 37.

    satby

    July 19, 2011 at 8:28 am

    Huge world music fan here and thanks for such great recs everyone. A lot of my favorites here (rachel beat me on the Johnny Clegg and Savuka). Since we’re on a Mandela Happy Birthday music tribute, here’s another SA band. I discovered them singing background on the Shakira “Waka-waka” video. Enjoy.

  38. 38.

    MomSense

    July 19, 2011 at 9:15 am

    Peace, love, and harmony.

    Yes, a perfect message.

  39. 39.

    rachel

    July 19, 2011 at 9:42 am

    @satby

    Do you have a favorite Savuka or Juluka song? Mine are Vezandlebe and Walima ‘Mabele (or Ibhola Lethu when the World Cup Games come around ^_^ ).

  40. 40.

    Baquist

    July 19, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Happy Birthday, Mr Mandela. I said to Mr Baquist the other day that I was jealous of Michelle Obama and her daughters for the first time, the day they got to meet him………

    While loving LBM, I am a huge fan of Savuka. I love ‘Lost girl’ for the rhythm and lyrics, but ‘The Crossing’ has the whole family singing along on car rides. If you are listening to Johnny Clegg for the first time, do try and look up the lyrics to the Zulu parts online (sorry, misplaced the link I used to use). The songs are very meaningful, and of course the same applies to LBM. A lot of their songs done in the Apartheid era had double meanings.

  41. 41.

    The Pale Scot

    July 19, 2011 at 10:46 am

    This weekend I was looking around for music I heard on WBGO’s Afropop show (way) back in the day, it’s a hobby of mine. I was driving at the time and couldn’t write the names down. From memory it’s Nigerian club music that sound like “Mucasa” ad/or “Meremba”.

    Anyway, check out The Very Best, (Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit) ABL, heavy, heavy groove quotient.

    The Very Best – Kamphopo

    The Very Best – Warm Heart Of Africa

    Their free mixtape can still be DLed here

    You’re Welcome

  42. 42.

    Triassic Sands

    July 19, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Happy Birthday, Mr. Mandela.

    I admire Nelson Mandela more than any other national leader of my lifetime. But I admire him mostly as a human being rather than as a politician or elected official.

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