65 years of music with Ladysmith Black Mambazo – ‘Anything you dream of is possible'

News24

01-07-2025

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They've defined South African folk music around the globe across generations.
Since the 1960s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's intricate rhythms and uplifting harmonies have created a spiritual movement around the world. This earned them the title as the first South African group to win a Grammy Award in 1988, bagging five more awards and 17 nominations across their illustrious career.
Initially assembled by the late Joseph Shabalala in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the group is famous for collaborating with music legends like Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon and making hits for iconic films like The Lion King, Coming to America and Cry, The Beloved Country.
The legendary group was honoured by Ukhozi FM at the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival in June 2025 to celebrate 65 years of excellence and their nurturing of South Africa's famed indigenous sound.
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Sibongiseni Shabalala, lead vocalist and the son of founder Joseph Shabalala, shares with TRUELOVE the kind of legacy Ladysmith Black Mambazo hopes to leave for generations to come.
'Celebrating 65 years in the music industry, [we'd] like to leave behind the legacy of education and knowledge. [We'd] like the young generation to learn from the journey of Ladysmith Black Mambazo that anything you dream of is possible, no matter where you come from or what background.
'If you work hard and dedicate yourself, respect the vision that you have for you. Dream, it will come true.'
From the hills of Ladysmith, KZN, to stages around the world, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been intentional for decades about staying true the music that defined the lives of mine workers throughout South Africa's history that used music to entertain and uplift themselves working in the harsh conditions.
Known as isicathamiya, Sibongiseni explains its importance and how they've kept their sound fresh.
'The style of the music that we sing, isicathamiya, has always been the same. It's the new compositions and the visions of our founder Dr Joseph Shabalala of blending the voices to come up with different harmonies that makes it a little different from the others.
'Also, the collaborations that we do sometimes with other artists helps but, most importantly, it's staying together and rehearsing all the time that keeps the sound fresh. If you became lazy in rehearsal, the music forgets you,' Sibongiseni says.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo's legacy was and still is undeniable, with the group wrapping up their U.S. tour. They're also still actively touring across South Africa and the continent until December 2025.
Sharing some last words of wisdom, Sibongiseni offers advice for artists on maintaining their longevity in South Africa's and the global music industry.
'It is important to do the music for you, for the love of it, not for money or special awards or accolades. If it's in you and [you're] doing it for the love, then you won't be discouraged by not winning an award or being [more] popular than others but you will focus on your music to try and make it better all the time. It will help you to stay longer.
Sibongeni adds, 'Also, collaborate work with other people that have the same vision as you and don't be lazy, be active, market your music. Nowadays it's very easy umhlaba uhlangene (the world is connected), use the social media and other internet platforms to promote your group.'