Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 4:30 pm
For 60 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter. The group sings a traditional music style called isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Mee-Ya), which developed in the mines of South Africa. It was Paul Simon’s 1987 Graceland album that introduced Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the world. The late former South African President Nelson Mandela designated the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” a title the members carry with them with the highest honor. In 2018, the group received not one, but two Grammy Award nominations for two separate albums, a first in the history of the World Music category. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has performed for millions of people, singing a message of peace, love and harmony.
“It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanate from their being.”
–Paul Simon
