Those of you familiar with Ladysmith Black Mambazo might remember Ben Shabalala, who was a member of the group from 1979 to 1993. He was Joseph’s brother. He was shot in Durban on the 16th. You may also remember that Headman Shabalala was shot by a policeman in 1991. And Joseph’s wife, Nellie, was shot in Durban in 2002.
These folks – Mambazo – are an international treasure. If you haven’t heard their music, you really should. Some folks are aware of Mambazo because they worked on Graceland with Paul Simon. I’m aware of Paul Simon because he worked on Graceland with Mambazo.
Several years ago I got to hear Mambazo when they came to Kentucky and gave a concert at Asbury College. It was absolutely amazing, and it was as though the acoustics of the place were specifically designed for their music.
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo
Yiva imathandazo yethu
Nkosi Sikelela Nkosi SikelelaNkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo
Yiva imathandazo yethu
Nkosi Sikelela
Thina lusapho lwayo.