Picture: Supplied
The five-time Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who have existed for over six decades are coming to Cape Town.
The group is set to perform on Friday the 17th and Saturday the18th of November 2023 at The Artscape Theatre.
The legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo began their SA Legacy Tour in May at The Joburg Theatre. After October shows at The Durban Playhouse, they’re now they bring their beautiful isicathamiya sounds to the Mother City.
The final leg of the SA Legacy Tour will be at Pretoria’s State Theatre on the16th and 17th of December 2023.
“It has been four years since we performed in Cape Town.” Says group member Sibongiseni Shabalala. “We always have packed theatres and a diverse crowd there, so we are looking forward to returning.”
Part of the legacy and highlights of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s musical journey is being the anchor and torchbearers of isicathamiya music and indigenous music. Four years ago, Ladysmith Black Mambazo launched The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Mobile Academy, where they discover and develop young aspiring groups who sing isicathamiya and indigenous music. Through this program – which is supported by the National Department of Sports Arts and Culture – some of the groups now share the stage with Ladysmith Black Mambazo at international shows and on this SA Legacy Tour.
Says Shabalala “At The Artscape, the audience will experience the talent of artists discovered by The Mambazo Mobile Academy: Abantakwethu from Gugulethu in Cape Town and Meduduetsane Basadi from Kimberley in the Northern Cape.”
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo aims to grow this program and expand it to all nine provinces in the country. The show will showcase a world-class performance by us and the newly discovered artists will perform too, with the aim of inspiring young artists to love, and preserve culture and heritage through music.” Explains Shabalala.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo was formed in the early 60s, have toured The World, and recorded and performed with global music icons including Burna Boy, Josh Groban, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Winans, Dolly Parton and many more. The award-winning group were described by President Nelson Mandela as “South African ambassadors of culture and heritage worldwide.”
Ladysmith Black Mambazo spend most of their year performing abroad, which makes The Legacy Tour a special occasion for their SA fans, who have long supported them.
“South African audiences first endorsed the success of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. From humble beginnings, the group broke records by being the top-selling music group in South Africa in the late 70s and 80s. The overwhelming support from South African audiences and neighbouring countries paved the way for Ladysmith Black Mambazo to showcase their music globally.” Says Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s oldest member Albert Mazibuko. Mazibuko has been in the group since the late Joseph Shabalala started it.
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo has embarked on this national tour celebrating our journey in the music industry and thanking South Africans for the love and support they have shown us.” Mazibuko continues.
“The South African tour aims to reconnect with local audiences and also celebrate the legacy of the group since it was established.”
“Performing at home is very special because the social issues of South Africa inspired the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo during the dark days of Apartheid till now. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a mirror of South African Society.” Mazibuko adds.
“The founder of the group, Professor Joseph Shabalala, was a storyteller, and he used music to share his life’s personal experience. Singing in front of South African audiences is like the completion of the lifecycle of the musical journey.” Remembers Shabalala of his father.
He says Cape Town fans should “Look forward to dynamic and heart rendering music from Mambazo classics to new songs. Expect our signature five-star performance.”
Mazibuko feels “The Music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a cultural export of our heritage and culture globally. We are now showcasing what the world has been witnessing during our tours, back at home.”
The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Legacy Tour is supported by The Department of Sports Art and Culture and Mzansi Magic.
