February 21, 2006

South African emissaries Ladysmith Black Mambazo
to sing their stunning and gorgeous harmonies
at UCSB Campbell Hall

Summary Facts:

• Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• The two-time Grammy-winning, world music superstars from South Africa
• A ten-man, Zulu a cappella group
• Thursday, April 6 / 8 pm
• UCSB Campbell Hall
• General public: $40 / UCSB students: $19
• Tickets/information: UCSB Arts & Lectures at (805) 893-3535

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo, South Africa’s electrifying vocal group, on Thursday, April 6 at 8 pm in UCSB Campbell Hall. The ten-man a cappella ensemble has won millions of fans the world over for its winning stage presence and uplifting harmonies. Founder Joseph Shabalala literally had a dream of a group singing wondrous harmony in 1964, and for nearly thirty years his band of friends and relatives has created ravishing music. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded over forty albums, selling over six million records at home and abroad. Its work with Paul Simon on Graceland attracted a world of fans that never knew that the subtleties of Zulu harmony could be so captivating. The Village Voice has called its work “amazing—serious, intricate, droll, eerie, precisely rehearsed and very beautiful.”

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s latest album Long Walk to Freedom, released on January 24, 2006, is a collection of twelve new recordings of classic Mambazo songs, featuring guest vocal performances by some of the most progressive voices of the contemporary pop music scene, including Melissa Etheridge, Emmylou Harris (presented by Arts & Lectures in September), Taj Mahal (to be presented by Arts & Lectures on April 25), Joe McBride, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant and Zap Mama. Also appearing on the guest roster are a virtual who’s who of South African artists: Lucky Dube, Bhekumunzi Luthuli, Vusi Mahlasela, Hugh Masekela, Nokukhanya, Phuezkhemisi and Thandiswa.

The group’s previous two albums were both huge successes in the States, as No Boundaries was nominated for a Best Contemporary World Music Album Grammy in 2006 and Raise Your Spirit Higher won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2005. In addition to the award, Raise Your Spirit Higher held the #1 spot on Billboard’s World Music chart for several months. Upon winning, Joseph Shabalala said, “We are so grateful and proud to have been awarded the Grammy Award this year. It’s a humbling moment. The members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and I accept this award, not just as recognition for our songs, but for our culture, our people and our country. South Africa, our home, continues its evolution as a wondrous place filled with a rich heritage.”

The group earned its name after winning every singing competition it entered. “Ladysmith” is the hometown of the Shabalala family in Lesotho, northwest of Durban, South Africa. “Black” makes reference to black oxen, considered to be the strongest on the farm. The Zulu word “Mambazo” means “ax”—symbolic of the group’s ability to chop down the competition.

The traditional music sung by Ladysmith Black Mambazo—born in the mines of South Africa—is called Isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Me-Ya). Poorly housed and paid black workers taken far away from their families would entertain themselves after a six-day work week by singing songs into the wee hours every Sunday morning. Calling themselves Cothoza Mfana or “tip toe guys,” they danced steps choreographed to avoid disturbing the camp security guards. When miners returned to their homelands, the tradition returned with them and this singing and dancing became part of a fierce but social competition. These competitions are held even today in YMCA assembly halls and church basements throughout Zululand.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s first album released in the United States, Shaka Zulu, was produced by Paul Simon and won the 1987 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. Since then the group has been nominated for a Grammy Award eight additional times. A documentary film about Black Mamabazo, On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps to Freedom, was nominated for a 2001 Academy Award as Best Short Documentary Film.

The group has recorded with numerous artists besides Paul Simon, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, George Clinton and Ben Harper. Its film work includes a featured appearance in Michael Jackson’s video Moonwalker and Spike Lee’s Do It A Cappella. Black Mambazo provided soundtrack material for Disney’s The Lion King Part II, Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America, Marlon Brando’s A Dry White Season and James Earl Jones’s Cry the Beloved Country.

Concert-goers may enhance their experience by attending a South African buffet served by the UCSB Faculty Club at 6 pm prior to the show. The dinner is $18 per person; reservations must be made by March 31 by calling (805) 893-3096.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures and sponsored by the Daily Nexus, KTYD Radio and Borders. The concert is generously supported by Tina & Killick Datta. Tickets are $40 for the general public and $19 for UCSB students who must show valid ID at ticket purchase and the evening of the show. Ticket prices are subject to convenience fees. Tickets are on sale now and can also be purchased at the door, if still available.

For tickets or more information,
call UCSB Arts & Lectures at (805) 893-3535.

Editor: For photos, please call
George Yatchisin at (805) 893-3494.