Ladysmith Black Mambazo to play on Perth stage

Nov 10 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

LEGENDARY South African crossover act Ladysmith Black Mambazo will beat a return path to Perth this weekend.

The male choral group, who appeared on Paul Simon’s classic Graceland album, are set to perform at the Concert Hall onFriday night.

It’s a follow-up to the three-time Grammy Award winners’ previous PCH show, which earned them plaudits back in 2006.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been successfully marrying the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music for over 40 years.

Headed by founder and composer Joseph Shabalala, the troupe are Africa’s biggest-selling recording outfit and they completed a hat-trick of Grammys earlier this year by triumphing in the Traditional World Music category at the annual musical celebrations.

Mambazo’s latest album Ilembe - Honouring Shaka Zulu has been widely recognised as one of their best to date, earning them the prestigious accolade.

The group sings the traditional a cappella music of the Zulu people, known as ‘isicathamiya’ and ‘mbube’.

Loud, powerful choruses contrast with softer, almost whispering chants where voices blend harmoniously, combined with tightly-choreographed dance moves that keep the singers on their toes.

Mambazo’s first album, Amabutho, appeared in 1973, but it was their collaboration with Paul Simon in 1986 that paved the way for international releases and worldwide fame.

After Graceland, Simon acted as producer on three records for the group aimed at the American market, Shaka Zulu, Journey Of Dreams and Two Worlds, One Heart, which featured The Winans, Julia Fordham and George Clinton.

Such has been the group’s achievements that they are nowadays regarded as something of a mobile academy, teaching people about South Africa and its culture.

Mambazo’s Perth gig is part of one of their longest-ever UK tours, which started in mid-October and is due to end on November 23.

The special guest at Friday’s concert will be songbird Netsayi, who is forging a reputation as one of the UK’s most original talents.

Following the success of her debut album, Chimurenga Soul, her follow-up Chosen Ones has seen her garner critical acclaim for her mix of Zimbabwean roots with pop and folk.

Tickets for the Perth show, which runs from 7.30-9.45pm, are available from info@horsecross.co.uk, or by calling 0845 612 6324.