Ladysmith Black Mambazo members Albert Mazibuko, Sibongiseni Shabalala, and group manager Xolani Majozi join Sara-Jayne Makwala King live in-studio ahead of their second Cape Town date for their” Legacy” Tour at the Artscape.
With their soul-stirring isicathamiya sounds, the five-time Grammy Award-winning band Ladysmith Black Mambazo has highlighted South Africa’s fascinating culture and heritage.
The group was founded in the early 1960s and has been captivating audiences all over the world with its stunning harmonies for the past 60 years.
The choral powerhouse recently returned to Cape Town for their SA Legacy Tour, giving their first performance there in four years last night at the Artscape Theatre.
Tonight at 19.30 p.m., they will perform for the second time.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King was joined in the studio by group members Albert Mazibuko, Sibongiseni Shabalala, and group manager Xolani Majozi.
Being back is wonderful. It makes me remember why South Africa’s Cape Town is its most amazing city. We’re overjoyed, and I had a great time.
Group member Albert Mazibuko
Nine people make up the current group, but during rehearsal, the choral group is made up entirely of their children and grandchildren.
Even when we are n’t giving concerts, we never stop practicing. Because what we do necessitates that we be in sync… in spirit, we always work as a family. The past and the future are constant topics of conversation.
Group member Sibongiseni Shabalala
Shabalala, who had received ongoing instruction as a child, inherited his musical talent from his father.
When Ladysmith Black Mambazo was on the road, he started a group of younger vocalists known as” White Dambazzo,” which gained popularity and began regularly performing.
My father always taught us about music while we were growing up in his home. He also gave us advice on how to act like a successful musician, telling us to set an example for others. We did n’t understand what that meant when we were young.
Group member Sibongiseni Shabalala
The group still considers their meeting with the late icon Nelson Mandela to be the pinnacle of their careers, despite having traveled extensively and interacted with A-listers, politicians, and royalty.
He entered the stage from the audience that evening and began singing with us, as I recall. He made a remarkable statement by saying that while he was incarcerated, our music gave him hope that South Africa would one day be set free.
Group member Albert Mazibuko
Then, to accept his Nobel Peace Prize, we traveled to Oslo with him and Mr. De Klerk. He even picked a song from our collection, but they told him it was too long. He stood up by himself to applaud as we combined three songs into a four-minute performance. ” Black Mambazo, black power,” he yelled while raising his fist. Nobody had probably ever heard that before, in my opinion. He explained to us that we are an ambassador for South African culture and that the country is the target of our carry.
Group member Albert Mazibuko
The group’s current goal is to create an indigenous music academy where all original music will be preserved for future generations.
It currently has a mobile academy that visits young people all over the nation to inspire them to follow their dreams.
Their legacy tour, which gives young people the chance to perform on stage, is now showcasing new musical talent.
Everything is going smoothly. Last night, we performed with a group from Kimberly, and tonight, Gugulethu will join us on stage. In the future, we hope that these bands will win Grammys.
Group member Sibongiseni Shabalala
You can purchase tickets here for R250.
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