Five time Grammy winning isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo is hosting a legacy tour as it aims to water their rooting.
The celebration is in effort to show gratitude to South Africans for their continued support after spending much of the group’s time singing and raising the country’s flag on international stages.
Member of the internationally-renowned group, Sibongiseni Shabalala, said the group had successfully showed off the South African cultural heritage through its sound globally. The group is now looking to reconnect with local audiences and celebrate the legacy of the group since its establishment.
“South African audiences endorsed the success of Ladysmith Black Mambazo from the beginning. From humble beginnings, the group broke records by being the top-selling music group in South Africa in the late 70s and 80s.
“The overwhelming support from South African audiences and neighbouring countries paved the way for Ladysmith Black Mambazo to showcase its music globally.
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo has embarked on this national tour celebrating our journey in the music industry and thanking South Africans for the love and support they have shown us,” said Shabalala.
The male choral group was founded by his father Joseph Shabalala and has grown to develop various isicathamiya and indigenous music groups through The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Mobile Academy.
The groups will share the stage with Ladysmith Black Mambazo during the SA Legacy Tour.
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo aims to grow this programme and expand it to all nine provinces in the country. The show will showcase a world-class performance by us and the newly discovered artists, with an aim of inspiring young artists to love, and preserve culture and heritage through music,” said Shabalala.
He said the The South African Legacy Tour would kickstart in Durban. Shabalala said the city had historical significance in the group’s journey and it was considered its second home since the founder moved to Durban in the same year that the group was founded.
“Expect dynamic and heart-warming music from Mambazo classics and new songs. Expect our signature five-star performance,” said Shabalala.
Group member Albert Mazibuko said: “The music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a cultural export of our heritage and culture globally. We are now showcasing what the world has been witnessing during our tours.”
Ladysmith Black Mambazo has performed with global music icons including Michael Jackson, Burna Boy, Stevie Wonder, and Dolly Parton, among others.
The special shows will run at Durban Playhouse on September 29–30, and October 1. The Artscape Theatre in Cape Town between November 16 and 19, and hit State Theatre in Pretoria between December 14 and 17.
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