Mambazo celebrates big 50
LADYSMITH Black Mambazo are celebrating their 50th anniversary and you are invited.
The world renowned Isicathamiya ensemble will tour townships across the country this month - performing their greatest hits free for adoring fans.
From September 16 to 24, Bochabela in Free State, Thokoza in Ekurhuleni, Rustenburg, Ermelo, Bela Bela in Limpopo and Kwa-Mashu in KwaZulu-Natal will host the group.
Black Mambazo founder and lead singer Joseph Shabalala said: "Going back to eKasi feels great. This is very special for us as we will be able to appreciate everything we missed when we were away.
"We will share and showcase the new things learnt in cities all over the world with our fans."
Though Black Mambazo is loved and appreciated by many in South Africa, the group hardly performs in the country because of a hectic overseas schedule.
Shabalala said: "This is the primary reason why they are going back where it all started in the early 1960s."
They will be accompanied on tour by Norwegian singer Kristin Asbjornsen and two other local acts. Asbjornsen is known for her very personal approach to song writing in tradition and the groove-based world music.
The captivating singer has featured on several albums, as well as a series of tours and festival performances in Europe.
The anniversary tour also coincides with Tshabalala's 70th birthday.
The National Arts Council of South Africa congratulated Shabalala and his group on their birthdays.
"We are very happy to be part of this very special tour that brings Mambazo back to the townships to share their beautiful sounds with the people who helped shape our arts heritage," NAC chief executive officer Annabell Lebethe said.
Biggie
@kuku, what is that you love madam?Congrats to them, they have put this country on the map with their great music.
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Biggie
l would love to say yipeee, thank you for loving me, but l u rata Snowy more...lolReport Abuse
Gzza
These guys have been singing for as long as my mother's been breathingReport Abuse
MAKABAZA
I LOVE THEM UNLIKE kuku, THEY HAVE PUT SA ON THE MAP AND CONGRATS BO-NTATEReport Abuse
Gzza
They are the only group I think that have survived this long in SA...Stimela had too many downs than upsReport Abuse
Nasir
who cares,they wont come to cpt coz here we dont have time for them,thier generation is way past bed time.bring on karen zoit,steve hofmeyr and that two darkies, hhp and lira.Report Abuse
Gzza
Nasir I pity you my friendThe day you are able to distinguish between music and art, let me know...I'll have 6 pints in celebrating your enlightenment
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