Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s powerful blend of rich harmonies and spiritual energy reaches across all language and cultural barriers right into the hearts and souls of their audiences worldwide.
You do not have to speak Zulu to understand, or feel the impact of, the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo when they perform at the Port Theatre March 6.
It’s been more than 20 years since Paul Simon made his legendary trip to South Africa, met Joseph Shabalala and the other members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in a Johannesburg studio, and recorded Graceland – a project regarded by many as seminal to the explosive interest in World Music.
Having sold more than seven million records at home and abroad, and established as the number one record-selling group from Africa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is considered one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles. Cultural emissaries of South Africa, they are a national treasure of the new South Africa, in part because they embody the traditions suppressed under the old apartheid regime.
The group sings Isicathamiya (is-cot-a-me-ya), which was born deep in the mines of South Africa.
Black workers were taken to work far away from their homes and families. Poorly housed and paid, they entertained themselves by singing. They called themselves Cothoza Mfana, or “tip toe guys”, referring to the dance steps choreographed so as to not disturb the camp security guards. When the miners returned to their homeland, the tradition went with them, beginning fierce competitions. So good were Ladysmith Black Mambazo, that after a time they were forbidden to enter the competitions but welcomed, of course, to entertain at them.
Driven by the visionary founder and leader Shabalala, the group’s story is about more than just music.
It’s about the historic legacy and struggle of a great nation to find its voice and vision. Much of that rich and bittersweet history is captured in their powerful music.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $37-47. Please call 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
