Celebrating 58 years
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO’S HOMECOMING BASH In Durban to show off their fifth Grammy Award for new album.
History was made this year when Ladysmith Black Mambazo won their fifth Grammy Award for their latest album, Shaka Zulu Revisited. The phenomenal group recently wrapped up a three-month US tour, but are expected to be in the country today.
The group will return to KwaZulu-Natal, allowing the people of Durban to celebrate the Grammy win with them as they parade the streets of the city on a rickshaw.
This parade – from 10am to 1pm – ends at the city hall, where city officials will address the public and there will be a short performance by the all-male a cappella group.
The isicathamiya group was nominated twice at the Grammys this year, winning the Best World Music Award.
Excited about bringing home their fifth Grammy, the group explains it is a tribute to their founder, Joseph Shabalala, who led this group from the streets of Ladysmith to global prominence.
The group will be back in the country for the The Bassline Fest at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Saturday, May 26.
On June 1, 2 and 3, the group will perform in honour of Nelson Mandela at Pretoria’s State Theatre.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s many awards include a Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album for Ilembe: Honouring Shaka Zulu in 2009 and another Grammy for Best World Music Album for Live: Singing for Peace Around the World in 2013.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are celebrating 58 successful years in the music industry and dedicate their latest Grammy to Nelson Mandela.
The group, which is regarded as a mobile academy of South African cultural heritage through their African indigenous isicathamiya music, are the official partners and ambassadors of the City of Durban.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been in partnership with Durban Tourism for three years, promoting Durban as a fantastic tourist destination on their international tours, and flying the South Africa and Durban flags high.
The group are expected to travel to the UK to perform at The Queen’s birthday celebrations in London this month.
That will be part of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s month-long European tour, starting on April 19. – Citizen reporter