Ladysmith Black Mambazo marks 65 years of musical excellence

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Following the conclusion of their sold-out United States tour on 5 April, South Africa’s legendary vocal group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, is set to return to local stages to mark an extraordinary 65 years in music.

The five-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble will take centre stage at Joburg Theatre from 1 to 4 May. They’ll perform fan favourites like Nomathemba and Homeless, along with new songs and exclusive unreleased tracks.

A LEGACY OF GLOBAL IMPACT AND CULTURAL PRIDE

Audiences can look forward to powerful harmonies, cultural storytelling, and a heartfelt tribute to the group’s journey, which began in 1960 under the visionary leadership of Dr Joseph Shabalala.

Following their Johannesburg shows, the group will continue their national tour, with stops planned in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.

Over the decades, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has become a powerful voice for South African heritage on the global stage. They have also collaborated with international legends such as Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Wonder.

Reflecting on unforgettable milestones, the group shared: “Meeting Nelson Mandela and performing for his birthday in 1993, then joining him in Oslo when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, are some of our most cherished memories.”

They also credit the Graceland album with opening doors globally: “Recording with Paul Simon helped us reach the world.”

PASSING THE TORCH AND INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS

Despite challenges faced during apartheid, “we were always stopped by the police when travelling from province to province, constantly having to explain why ten men were in one combi. We were often treated as suspects. In those situations, my father would simply start singing, and we’d all join in before explaining that we were a musical group,” the group said.

Now, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is focused on preserving its legacy by establishing a music academy in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. Moreover, the academy aims to teach Indigenous music and industry knowledge to young artists, ensuring the tradition continues for generations.

When asked for advice to aspiring musicians, they offered: “Be you. Be respectful. Be patient. Rehearse a lot. And stay away from drugs—they will kill your career before it even starts.”

Get ready for a memorable celebration of the group’s legendary sound and vibrant cultural roots. Tickets for the South African tour are on sale now for R250 via Webtickets and the Joburg Theatre box office.