Flying the SA flag with love
HEAVENLY: LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO’S MUSIC IS ‘SOMETHING OUT OF THIS WORLD’
‘The support we get overseas is due to the support and love we received here at home first.’
They have won multiple awards and are the only South African music group that hold five Grammy Awards. Isicathamiya male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo are what most regard as the true representation of Mzansi’s talent, a team of passionate men who fly the South African flag high for the entire world to take notice, allowing masses of people to give Mzansi a standing ovation.
They are regarded as a mobile academy of South African cultural heritage through their African indigenous Isicathamiya music. Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, the group has proven it is possible to maintain unity and stick to one vision.
THE NAME
Albert Mazibuko, the founding member, says it was important to the group for people to always know where they originate, that despite the fame they were going to receive, the nation should always be aware that they are “men from Ladysmith with powerful voices that were going the change the world’s view of Isicathamiya music”. The three elements of the name, he pointed out, were the hometown of the founder of the group Joseph Shabalala’s family – Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal; the black ox – considered the strongest farm animal; and Mambazo, which means axe in Zulu. The axe is an important tool for every family in the villages and is representative of the choir’s ability to chop down its competition.
THE BREAKTHROUGH
Mazibuko said: “Getting recognition in the music industry didn’t come easy for our group and what made it even harder was the kind of music we were making: Isicathamiya.
“No one really thought people would buy it,” he said, adding he believes what makes the group so successful is the fact that Shabalala had dreamt about its formation, the kind of music it would do and the techniques it would use to be a success.
“All we had to do was focus and be loyal to Shabalala and respect everything he told us. Every time we did this during rehearsals, we could see light at the end of the tunnel and the music made sense to us; it was amazing.”
Mazibuko says their major breakthrough happened when they were asked to record at Gallo Records and a talent scout Robert Bopape selected four of their songs to be made available to the public.
“Subsequent to this, the public demanded more, so we recorded an album. Our first record came out in 1972. All our albums reached double gold disk, double platinum and the rest is history.”
STICKING TOGETHER
Mazibuko says understanding and respect has helped the group stick together.
“We hold a notion that one must respect one’s older brother, but the older brother must be a good example to the younger brother.
“Shabalala has taught us about the value of respect and problem-solving techniques. He was always humble and made us understand the need of being modest,” said Mazibuko. He explained in their tradition “it is believed wherever you are you are with your ancestors, so disrespecting a person is the same as disrespecting his/her ancestors.”
THE LOVE
“People describe our sound differently,” Mazibuko says with laughter, adding some call it heavenly. “I have never been to heaven, but to tell you the truth, being a fan of Ladysmith Black Mambazo myself, I agree. It is something out of this world; something that has never been done before.”
The more he listens to the music, the more he understands why it had to come to Shabalala in a dream. “We are still developing our music. We want to make it better. We are on a mission of leaving a legacy in the music industry here at home and abroad.”
Mazibuko says he wants people to know which stages he has performed on and which lives he has touched – and to be an inspiration to the next generation of black children.
He says sometimes people question if the group is more celebrated abroad than in Mzansi, but believes all they have thus far, the houses and cars and wives, were afforded thanks to the support and love they received from people in South Africa, indicating the support started at home.
“The support we get overseas is due to the support and love we received here at home first. Now our country doesn’t have money, hence we are sent overseas where there is money to try and make a living.”
MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE
Mazibuko says the most remarkable performance he can remember is when the group had to accompany the late former President Nelson Mandela to Oslo, Norway to receive his Nobel Peace Prize.
“We sang in front of this icon – two songs he requested – and he gave us his blessing. He stood up and said, ‘Black Mambazo; black power’, and that meant a lot to us. It’s a sanctification I will never forget.”
Mazibuko says they have done collaborations with many talented artists, with each one different and enjoyable in its own unique way.
However he enjoyed their collaboration with Dolly Parton, describing her as “quite a lady”.
“We got a phone call some time back when we were in New York and were told Dolly Parton was inviting us to studio. We were excited because our wives listen to her music and couldn’t wait to take a few pictures with her. ”
THE SHOW IN PRETORIA
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is putting on shows for three days to commemorate the centenary of the late Nelson Mandela at the State Theatre. The final show will be held tomorrow.
“This is a very important show. We will be performing all the songs we usually perform overseas. We want our people of South Africa to be the judges now. People shouldn’t miss out on this one. We want Mzansi to see how we represent them abroad,” Mazibuko said with excitement.
The group is back in South Africa fresh from winning their fifth Grammy Award with their latest album ‘Shaka Zulu Revisited’ earlier this year. Out of two nominations at the Grammys, they scooped the Best World Music category and dedicate it to Mandela. It also saluted and dedicated the award to Shabalala, who led this group from the dusty streets of Ladysmith to global prominence.
This year the Isicathamiya music group is celebrating 58 years in the music industry.