×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

FESTIVAL ON THE WATER

MULTI-GRAMMY-WINNING Ladysmith Black Mambazo will thrill music lovers at the Aqua Festival at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town today and tomorrow.

MULTI-GRAMMY-WINNING Ladysmith Black Mambazo will thrill music lovers at the Aqua Festival at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town today and tomorrow.

The Aqua Festival, a three-week music and entertainment festival set on a floating aquatic stage and showcasing contemporary opera, ballet, jazz, rock and pop, began on December 15 and ends tomorrow.

It features performances by a 53-piece Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Cape Town City Ballet, Freshlyground, Johnny Clegg and the Parlotones.

Mambazo is one of the most famous African traditional groups. The KwaZulu-Natal scathamiya group rose to worldwide fame after collaborating with Paul Simon on his album Graceland. Since then things have been happening for them.

With their sound that boasts unique combination of bass, alto and tenor harmonies, Simon could not resist the group.

The group released its first international album, Shaka Zulu, which won the Grammy Award in 1987 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. The album was produced by Paul Simon.

Since then they have sold millions of albums around the world, making them the country's best selling group.

In 2005 Ladysmtih Black Mambazo received its second Grammy Award for the Best Traditional World Music Recording for Raise Your Spirit Higher. The group's Long Walk to Freedom was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2007. To date, the group has received an incredible 15 Grammy nominations.

In 2001 a documentary film based on the life of the founder of the group, Joseph Shabalala, and titled On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps to Freedom, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Documentary Film.

Mambazo have recorded with international artists, including Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Dolly Parton, Ben Harper, Mavis Staples, Andreas Vollenweider, The Winans, The Corrs and George Clinton.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.