Sounds of South Africa featured at Skidmore concert
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> World famous singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo is coming to Skidmore College to share the sounds of South Africa with the the Spa City.
This South African male choral group will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at the Arthur Zankel Music Center, located on the Skidmore College campus in Saratoga Springs.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo was launched into international spotlight when they sang with Paul Simon on his 1986 Graceland album. The group has been nominated 17 times, won five Grammy Awards, and has performed for audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming stage presence.
Several of the group’s albums have garnered gold and platinum status, and their first worldwide release, produced by Simon, won a Grammy for Best Folk Recording in 1988.
In addition to their work with Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded with numerous artists from around the world, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris and Melissa Etheridge.
Many of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo songs address issues of freedom and the fight against apartheid, which led Nelson Mandela to call Ladysmith “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors,” while accompanying
Townes Van Zandt, 8 p.m. www.caffelena.org. the late South African president to Oslo, Norway for his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Over the years, the original members have welcomed a younger generation in their mission, passing along the tradition of storytelling and spreading their message of peace, love, and harmony to millions of people. The newer members, in turn, have infused the group with their youthful energy and the promise of a bright future.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala looks to these young men to carry on his dream to “keep South Africa alive in people’s hearts” for years to come.
Opening for Ladysmith Black Mambazo at its upcoming local performance with an acoustic set will be reggae artist Wade Dyce of famous roots reggae band Cultural Roots.
Tickets are available online at www.skidmore.edu/zankel/ for $49, $44 or $39.
For more information on Ladysmith Black Mambazo visit www.mambazo.com.