It’s Grammy for iconic SA band
Uniqueness their secret
IT’S been almost 60 years since Ladysmith Black Mambazo burst onto the world stage and the local group keep on making waves‚ recently scooping their fifth Grammy award.
The group’s Sibongiseni Shabalala said the secret to their success was simple.
“We work hard and are respectful. We are ourselves and we don’t try and copy anyone else. That is the secret. It was something my father Joseph taught us all when we joined and a formula we haven’t been allowed to forget,” he said.
“Black Coffee is doing well‚ and so is Trevor. So there are South Africans having success overseas‚ we are not the only ones. But the biggest thing I have found is being yourself.
“People want a unique experience; they want something different. Too many South African musicians are trying to be like artists overseas.”
The group have just returned from shows overseas to do a South African tour and celebrate their Grammy win.
Sibongiseni said the win was especially rewarding because it was their first since his father retired and handed over the reins to his children. “It was like going away from home and coming back with presents for your dad. We were so proud of what we accomplished and he was so happy with us winning the award.”
Although Joseph had a plan in place for when he decided to retire‚ the group still had their concerns after his exit.
“We knew there was a plan but you still have those voices of doubt inside you asking if you are really going to be able to do it like you did before‚ if you are going to still be as organised and loved by people. It was a worry but we dealt with it.”
The group will be headlining the Bassline Fest Africa’s Tribute to Madiba music festival in Johannesburg next weekend.