The legacy lives on

South African heritage and culture is significantly reflected in their music. Their work earned them 19 Grammy nominations and 5 Grammy wins. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, might have lost their founding father, Joseph Shabalala at the age of 78 but his legacy lives on.

- Jacqueline Manyonga

From the time children are in their mother’s womb, their mothers are encouraged to play soothing music for their unborn children. It is said that music has healing capabilities, and a soothing effect on our emotions, as it helps us de-stress, relax and generally feel good. Joseph Shabalala’s greatest desire was to use his gift to make a highly uncomfortable situation, less taxing and he brought so much joy to many people. He created the all-male acapella music group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo with the hopes of using music as a vehicle to unite South Africa during its darkest time “Apartheid”.

The late former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela called the group “The ambassador of South African cultural music” when Shabalala created the group, his desire was to bring attention to the Durban indigenous sound, outside which he was born and grew up in the district of Ladysmith, Emhambithi. Founded in the early sixties, Ladysmith Black Mambazo specialised in the traditional South African Zulu style of isicathaniya music. Their multilayered sound could be heard and felt on and off stage. During their performances they sang and danced filling their audience with an energy that gave them goosebumps.