Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Last night we went to see the South African singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo at USC’s Bovard Auditorium.
Up until this point I never really thought much of the group. All I knew of them was that they sang backup to Paul Simon on his 1986 “Graceland” album. They harmonized and sounded cool. Well last night I found out a little more about them.
The name LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO came about as a result of winning every singing competition in which the group entered. “Ladysmith” is the hometown of the Shabalala family; “Black” references the black oxen, considered to be the strongest on the farm. The Zulu word “Mambazo” refers to an ax – symbolic of the group’s ability to “chop down” the competition. Personally I always thought there was a Lady named Smith that lead the group. I was wrong. Joseph Shabalala started the group in 1960 and still leads it.
It was really good show. A lot of energy and passion. The group has been around for such a long time but you could really see how they enjoyed what they did.
I found the group’s philosophy quite warming. Peace, Love and Harmony. If they come around again we will have to bring Skyler. He’d really enjoy it.
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