Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Full Performance (Live on KEXP) 

Went to a live performance in Detroit with my best friend in the early 1990s. One or two members of the group went into the audience and pulled folks up on stage. I was one of the lucky chosen few to be brought up to sing with the group. It's one of the most special moments of my life. Now whenever I hear Ladysmith sing, I always say "I sang with those guys!" Love them.

0:18 Nomathemba 7:28 Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain 13:14 Homeless 19:51 Thalaza - - best song

Do you know what you are seeing here? Listen carefully, they will explain. It's called the future. You are seeing the cradled of humanity, Africa. You are seeing the mountains, the rivers and the clouds. You are seeing the long rains and the flowers blossoming every single day. Yes their story of more than 5,000 years is recorded in their voices.

I'm a 38 year old white dude living in Germany.. I know & love the song "homeless - silale maweni " @ 13:15 since my childhood :)

As a child in the 1990's my parents shared their music with me and decades later, it stays with me. All love. All respect. Beautiful!

No matter what time of day or night, no matter where I am, my world stops when I hear their voices. I fall into a state of complete joy, and I hold my actions until the song has passed because all I want to do is rest in that sound like a blanket that wraps all around my soul.

Lol! Who is still listening in 2024?

They are still strong and so beautiful to hear ...the voice of South Africa...unique and true.

PAUL SIMON AND LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO. In 2014, Ladysmith Black Mambazo - led by founder and leader JOSEPH SHABALALA - celebrates over fifty years of joyous and uplifting music. Within this music are the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions. In those years, the a cappella vocal group has created a musical and spiritual spirit that has touched a worldwide audience. Their musical efforts over the past five decades have garnered praise and accolades from a wide body of people, organizations and countries. Assembled in the early 1960s in South Africa by Joseph, then a young farmboy turned factory worker, the group took the name Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith is the name of Joseph’s hometown, about three hours west of Durban and 3 hours east of Johannesburg; Black being a reference to the oxen, the strongest of all farm animals; and Mambazo being the Zulu word for chopping axe, a symbol of the group’s ability to “chop down” any singing rival who might challenge them. Their collective voices were so tight and their harmonies so polished that by the end of the 1960's they were banned from competitions, although they were welcome to participate as entertainers. A radio broadcast in 1970 opened the door to their first record contract - the beginning of an ambitious discography that currently includes more than fifty recordings. Their philosophy in the studio was - and continues to be - just as much about preservation of musical heritage as it is about entertainment. The group borrows heavily from a traditional music called isicathamiya (is-cot-a-ME-Ya), which developed in the mines of South Africa, where black workers were taken by rail to work far away from their homes and their families. Poorly housed and paid worse, the mine workers would entertain themselves after a six-day week by singing songs into the wee hours on Sunday morning. When the miners returned to the homelands, this musical tradition returned with them. During the 1970's and early 1980's Ladysmith Black Mambazo established themselves as the most succesful singing group in South Africa. In the mid-1980s, Paul Simon visited South Africa and incorporated the group's rich tenor/alto/bass harmonies into his famous "Graceland" album - a landmark recording that was considered seminal in introducing world music to mainstream audiences. A year later, Paul Simon produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo's first worldwide release, "Shaka Zulu", which won a Grammy Award in 1988 for Best Folk Recording. Since then, the group has been awarded two more Grammy Awards ("Raise Your Spirit Higher (2004) and "Ilembe (2009)") and has been nominated a total of fifteen times. In addition to their work with Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded with numerous artists from around the world, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Melissa Etheridge,and many others. Their film work includes a featured appearance in Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker video and Spike Lee’s Do It A Cappella. They've provided soundtrack material for Disney’s The Lion King, Part II as well as Eddie Murphy’s Coming To America, Marlon Brando’s A Dry White Season, Sean Connery’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, James Earl Jones’ Cry The Beloved Country and Clint Eastwood's Invictus. A film documentary titled On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps to Freedom, the story of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was nominated for an Academy Award. They have appeared on Broadway and have been nominated for Tony Awards and have won a Drama Desk Award. In more recent popular culture they have been part of such shows as The Family Guy & the movie Mean Girls ("But you LOVE Ladysmith Black Mambazo"). In 2013 the group released "Live: Singing For Peace Around The World" which is a collection of songs recorded during their World Tours of 2011 and 2012. On December 6, 2013 it was announced that this cd was nominated by the Grammy Awards as Best World Music CD for 2013. The winner of the Grammy Award will be announced January 26, 2014.

God bless Africa, United we stand,my father use to play this wonderful songs before he was pass away,love from Nigeria...

I have always listened to lady Smith black mambazo since the grace land concert... This is music for the soul... I am from Nigeria I don't understand a word but am a big fan..

The only instruments they use are their voices.Incredible harmonization. I'm always blown away by their music.

The only music I can listen to and have an internal conversation with my late dad!! Greatest gift my dad gave me.

They are so graceful! I am proud to be South African

Beautiful group...it's 12/29/2021 and people are still listening and enjoying their wonderful sounding voices.

I'm Congolese from Kinshasa and I love this group ♥️💝

Beauty as sound. We are all African and have just drifted far from home.

Having spent my teenage years living in Southern Africa, listening to Ladysmith Black Mambazo evokes the most beautiful memories of what was once home. There's nothing as soul inspiring as listening to the power of african voices singing together. Angelical to say the least. Tears.

Believe it or not, there was a version of this group in the 70's, I was sound engineer for several shows they did. Great then, good always!!!

Exquisite tones, rhythm, harmony and resonance, just like the group of years' past.

it's incredible the emotion they can vehicle through their voices only. god bless them

Man, the legend is still alive. This is awesome! As a bass singer I can but only to acknowledge the greatness of the bass singers and of all the other singers. What an harmony! God bless Ladysmith black mambazo!

RIP Joseph Shabalala, my heart is broken, sing with the Angels dear Joseph. 😢😢😢

The soul of my country. I am so lucky, so lucky to be a South African.

Their harmonies are one. Gifted beautiful instruments of God. Love them and Zulu Choral.

These guys made me fall in love with the Zulus as a tribe I tell you. I’ll be seeing them perform in Philly next month! So excited

Without doubt, the best vocal group in the world ❤❤

The new phase of LADYSMITH MAMBAZO. God bless J.shabalala and his leading sons. Thami and sibon shabalala. Your music heals many souls

As a South African, this fulls me with absolute pride

Oh! How I love this group. I am from Nigeria. I first heard this group in 2011 on my way to the hospital for antenatal. As soon as I heard one of their songs, I stopped, got into the studio and bought that album of theirs. I still play it till date.

Have always been drawn to this music without knowing who they were....mesmerizing!!!!!

This is the greatest music I have ever heard

Hypnotic. Like a lullaby. Strong vocals. Totally takes me home....

I never tire of hearing their amazing voices. The sounds that soothe the heart and soul. RIP Joseph Shabla ♡🎶🥀

I love the way they sing with the fully of love on their face, they took me back to the 90's when i was in primary school in my home Country Tanzania we used to sing like black mambazo in our own language Kiswahili and that kind of Music we call JAIVING..We were at the top of Africanism. Thanks Black Mambazo thanks again you make me cry today again since the last when my mother died.

Lala ngokuthula baba Shabalala, you shaped and enriched my teenage years. I thank you

I like.. i mean love them since i was a small when i hear them for the 1st time until now i still listen to them when i wana enjoy true African music with voice sounds ONLY!!!!!!!!! My kid's name is ManQupa im from Namibia! Keep it up Black Mambazo

I first heard them over 30 years ago. I fell in love with their spiritual sound. Beautiful to keep the group going. Sing on my Brothers.✊🏾

I HAD THE VERY FORTUNATE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND ONE OF LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO CONCERT IN THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS.FROM THAT NIGHT FORWARD I HAVE BEEN great fan of this group. I own all of their CDS and I always look at their videos on you tube. This how I am now 8 years, later today 08/17/2024, I am looking at the recording from your radio station

Im Canadian, born in UK , Persian race , living in Kuwait, but i know and feel I amd everyone are originally all African

Most beautiful heart lifting sound. I first heard them at the television station where I was working in the 90's, in Washington D.C. I have loved their beautiful music ever since.

The most beautiful dancing and singing I have ever seen, probably

Why am I only listening to this now am so disappointed in myself... I hope to God I will still listen to them when am old... Music is amazing the impact it has Is powerful....when I listen to to such songs I feel closer to nature.. Cause it's what I see... I feel love...

I remember working at a bank in a small town of Nongoma in northern KwaZulu Natal and our bank sponsored a competition for local groups. Beautiful and fulfilling experience in the raw talent I saw. Rest in peace baba Joseph Shabalala.

Fabulous! Deep, beautiful music, with a philosophy of hope and care. Heartfelt admiration from Northwest Coast B.C., Canada!

We will miss you Joseph Shabalala, may you rise with the angels.

That old member on the end was singing while jumping and kicking his legs up high like that since the 60's........incredible.

So much love and respect for this group from Nigeria

I used to play this album to my preschool class at sleep time every day ... the kids would go home & sing these songs to their families. The parents luved that the children were singing in a non English language. A passing Aussie 🙏

I have seen them live here in Australia many years ago. What a privilage.

"We've had these tickets for months...you love lady smith black mambazo!"

I am Mozambican, and feel delighted to hear songs from Black Mambazo, yet, the language(zulu)is a concern, the songs are beautiful. Amen

Priceless!! You've got to love this. It embodies the African spirit . . .

2020 baby I'm still listening

I have listened to them since childhood. Always mesmerizing...

Joseph Shabalala . Your music and soul lives in our hearts . Respect and love to you as you Rest In Peace

I remember the first time I heard these Gentleman as a child, I was blown away. My Mom's friend Anyatica, was from Africa. She was playing this as she made dinner for us and the other folks that were there. I thank GOD everyday I was exposed to BEAUTIFUL music like this. It made me the musician I am today. R.I.P. Anya

Rich, organic and warm. So, so good.

Oh wow, this "Homeless" song, does it age ? Apparently not! This is truly a masterpiece, it crosses boundaries and generations and always has the same effect on people: the sense of humbleness! ❤️

Saw them about 1995, at Stockton College in southern New Jersey, USA. I have never forgotten that performance. It was pure magic!

never ever do away with this beautiful cultural heritage...this is a blessing from the Almighty

Their music has such a resonating, primal connection to all of us. Homeless always, always moves me.

The human voice is a beautiful thing. Glad they still have Joe the original OG.

I was blessed to watch these wonderful people, and met them backstage in Bath England 2018, love you guys, from my heart.

Loved LBM for decades now, since I was in my teens. Passed the half century and still a fan. Many of their songs bring a lump to the throat.

The sadness of the people who gave this a thumbs down.

Am Ghanaian, mostly in my life and situation south Africa songs is my favorite.

i juss cant get enough of Black mambazo songs ,im actual addicted to the group

i love this African vibe, may God bless Africa the land of hope.

RIP Mr Joseph, we will always remember you😔😭😭😭

wow this is beautiful we were blessed indeed to have you baba shabalala RIP

Thank you so much, for reminding of my uncle. Every time I watch this he always comes to mind mind. He was my father, in my life every thing ihave today it because of his.my 3kids birth certificate it because of him. Ilove him,imiss him I'm crying every day for him and my grandmother because of the parent I lost. iwas young but ,iknow ilost the real love from those 2 people 😌😘😘😘 🤲🤲

LOVE south africa music been there 3 times xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx BEAUTIFUL AND SOOTHING

I love this guys and I'm proud to be a African man

as a South African rap/hip hop artist, it really pleases my heart to know exactly where the heart of our people's culture lies. Ladysmith Black Mambazo will always have a dear place in my heart and the hearts of all of our people. back then, now and forever on. ❤

I love this group. Proudly Zulu, South African.

Beautiful voices, oh so soothing for my anxiety.

We listen everyday and it's just as beautiful as the first time I heard the group, long live

Best group ever........Always the best. Thanks for starting this Joseph Shabalala....Nigeria loves you!!!

Joseph's son has huge shoes to fill, but I think he's doing it well. Their sound is so incredibly rich. This set sounds just like a studio-mastered album recording. Fantastic!

Wow! How can 120 people click not like on this?! Amazing! I guess not everyone appreciate good music.

This new generation are taking this to a whole new level

I saw when they came to Cleveland. they are unbelievable. I was blown away when I saw them

Hi. guys, listen to fall rain fall rain. This is song is FULL. The harmony is just amazing, it's like a song on the cd, and not live. Thank you guys we learnt a lot from you as a young group in the 80's.

I love this video and the last song "Thalaza" ... a very great performance 😍

Joseph's youngest son has exactly his father's voice (the one who sang first)

It's so wonderful to hear this group's collective voice again. I remember my parents playing their music in the car sometimes, and never fully appreciated the experience they gave me until now.

Love this group! Their sound is so rich and their positive messages pierce my soul.

Thank you for sharing this absolutely fantastic and unique performance. God bless all from Patrick

They sound so wonderful!

i was at a church retreat recently, and i was with friends and we were all in a room, my friend grabbed his jbl, and put a l.b.m playlist on spotify, all the lights were off, we gathered around a circle, and put the j.b.l in the middle, one of our leaders came in and said, "Are you guys in a cult?" that'll stay with me forever lmfao

This is so beautiful and ageless. I listened to their music growing up.

Songs that relate to each and every age group!!!!! Big up Thamie the lead singer to (Nomathemba).luv u lot!!!!!!

Their harmonies are out of this world.

my countrymen, from the same township of eZakheni in Ladysmith, KZN South Africa. I love you guys. truly South African

I've only heard the first song and I'm already in awe! 😮 i love them!

I love ladysmith black mabhazo Lingihlabelela kamnandi ngizizwa ngibusiseka kakhulu

i am from brasil and i live in the usa. and my sister lives in south africa, i have visited her; i have a south african niece! amazing. just amazing. south africa i love you!

All cultures are beautiful. From South Africa to Scandinavia, they are all important to humanity. It's who we are and what connects our souls.

my heart is smiling