Latest news with #LadysmithBlackMambazo
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Ladysmith Black Mambazo receives special award
The group was recognised for its lasting contribution to South Africa's indigenous music. Ukhozi FM has honoured legendary Isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo with a special award in celebration of the group's 65th anniversary in the music industry. The award was presented during the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival, held in Sun City, North West, this past weekend. The group was recognised for its lasting contribution to South Africa's indigenous music. Accepting the award, Sibongiseni Tshabalala, son of the group's founder, Dr Joseph Shabalala, said they were humbled and honoured. 'Ukhozi FM celebrated us for the role we've played in nurturing and growing umculo wesintu. From the hills of Ladysmith to stages across the world, we've carried the sounds of our ancestors with pride,' he added. Celebrating with global and local tours To mark their milestone, Ladysmith Black Mambazo launched a North American tour in February. The group performed in more than 30 cities across the US and Canada, with stops in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Toronto. Following their return home, the group kicked off a national tour in May. They have already performed in Johannesburg, with upcoming shows in Durban and Cape Town. The tour will continue throughout the year and conclude in December. READ MORE: Ladysmith Black Mambazo embark on North American tour without founding member Albert Mazibuko Ladysmith Black Mambazo still going strong after six decades With a career spanning more than six decades, the group has earned global acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. Their signature blend of traditional Zulu harmonies continues to resonate with audiences beyond South African borders. Reflecting on their journey, Tshabalala said it is a privilege to witness the legacy of the group continuing to grow. 'It's amazing to walk in the footsteps of my father and the group's founders. I've been with the group for over 30 years myself. The legacy continues to grow from glory to glory. 'In a few years, we'll be marking 70 years — an incredible milestone not just for us, but for global music history. We thank South Africans, the continent and the world for their continued support,' he added. NOW READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzamo Mbatha feel like a 'new person'
News24
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
65 years of music with Ladysmith Black Mambazo – ‘Anything you dream of is possible'
____________________________________________________________________ They've defined South African folk music around the globe across generations. Since the 1960s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's intricate rhythms and uplifting harmonies have created a spiritual movement around the world. This earned them the title as the first South African group to win a Grammy Award in 1988, bagging five more awards and 17 nominations across their illustrious career. Initially assembled by the late Joseph Shabalala in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the group is famous for collaborating with music legends like Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon and making hits for iconic films like The Lion King, Coming to America and Cry, The Beloved Country. The legendary group was honoured by Ukhozi FM at the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival in June 2025 to celebrate 65 years of excellence and their nurturing of South Africa's famed indigenous sound. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ladysmith Black Mambazo (@theladysmithblackmambazo) Sibongiseni Shabalala, lead vocalist and the son of founder Joseph Shabalala, shares with TRUELOVE the kind of legacy Ladysmith Black Mambazo hopes to leave for generations to come. 'Celebrating 65 years in the music industry, [we'd] like to leave behind the legacy of education and knowledge. [We'd] like the young generation to learn from the journey of Ladysmith Black Mambazo that anything you dream of is possible, no matter where you come from or what background. 'If you work hard and dedicate yourself, respect the vision that you have for you. Dream, it will come true.' From the hills of Ladysmith, KZN, to stages around the world, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been intentional for decades about staying true the music that defined the lives of mine workers throughout South Africa's history that used music to entertain and uplift themselves working in the harsh conditions. Known as isicathamiya, Sibongiseni explains its importance and how they've kept their sound fresh. 'The style of the music that we sing, isicathamiya, has always been the same. It's the new compositions and the visions of our founder Dr Joseph Shabalala of blending the voices to come up with different harmonies that makes it a little different from the others. 'Also, the collaborations that we do sometimes with other artists helps but, most importantly, it's staying together and rehearsing all the time that keeps the sound fresh. If you became lazy in rehearsal, the music forgets you,' Sibongiseni says. Ladysmith Black Mambazo's legacy was and still is undeniable, with the group wrapping up their U.S. tour. They're also still actively touring across South Africa and the continent until December 2025. Sharing some last words of wisdom, Sibongiseni offers advice for artists on maintaining their longevity in South Africa's and the global music industry. 'It is important to do the music for you, for the love of it, not for money or special awards or accolades. If it's in you and [you're] doing it for the love, then you won't be discouraged by not winning an award or being [more] popular than others but you will focus on your music to try and make it better all the time. It will help you to stay longer. Sibongeni adds, 'Also, collaborate work with other people that have the same vision as you and don't be lazy, be active, market your music. Nowadays it's very easy umhlaba uhlangene (the world is connected), use the social media and other internet platforms to promote your group.'
The Herald
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Ladysmith Black Mambazo honoured with prestigious award
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are beaming with pride after being honoured with a prestigious award by Ukhozi FM at the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival to celebrate 65 years of excellence. The group, known for their distinctive isicathamiya music, were recognised for their contributions to the growth and nurturing of umculo wesintu , South Africa's indigenous music. In their acceptance speech, the group thanked Ukhozi FM for this recognition. 'We stand humbled and honoured. Ukhozi FM celebrated us for the role we've played in nurturing and growing umculo wesintu — our indigenous music. From the hills of Ladysmith to stages around the world, we've carried the sounds of our ancestors with pride,' said Sibongiseni Tshabalala, the son of the founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Tshabalala. 'Thank you, Ukhozi FM, for this beautiful recognition. Siyabonga, thank you for walking this journey with us.' The group were among other notable artists — Nothembi Mkhwebane, Ringo and Makhadzi — who graced the stage with captivating performances.
TimesLIVE
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Ladysmith Black Mambazo honoured with prestigious award
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are beaming with pride after being honoured with a prestigious award by Ukhozi FM at the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival to celebrate 65 years of excellence. The group, known for their distinctive isicathamiya music, were recognised for their contributions to the growth and nurturing of umculo wesintu, South Africa's indigenous music. In their acceptance speech, the group thanked Ukhozi FM for this recognition. 'We stand humbled and honoured. Ukhozi FM celebrated us for the role we've played in nurturing and growing umculo wesintu — our indigenous music. From the hills of Ladysmith to stages around the world, we've carried the sounds of our ancestors with pride,' said Sibongiseni Tshabalala, the son of the founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Tshabalala. 'Thank you, Ukhozi FM, for this beautiful recognition. Siyabonga, thank you for walking this journey with us.' The group were among other notable artists — Nothembi Mkhwebane, Ringo and Makhadzi — who graced the stage with captivating performances.
News24
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Ladysmith Black Mambaso legacy: Meet singer Yandani Shabalala
He's a young man with big dreams and extraordinary talent in music. Yandani Shabalala is the grandson Joseph Shabalala, founder of legendary five-time Grammy Award winning music group Ladysmith Black Mamabazo, and the son of the group's current lead singer Thamsanqa Shabalala. He's now stepping into his own sound. Shaped by musical greatness, the 19-year-old Durbanite embraces R&B and soul sounds with ethereal vocals and has garnered widespread attention with his latest single, a 'feel-good anthem' titled Honeydew. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yandani (@yandani__) He shares with TRUELOVE how his family's musical heritage shaped his love for music. 'Growing up watching them perform and go on world tours would make me wish and hope I'd be doing the same thing someday. I've always been interested in music and singing and just watching them continue to sing and perform for so many years inspires me a lot.' Yandani continues, 'I grew up just being that child who wouldn't stop singing and when I was younger, I used to even perform for my family members, singing Diamonds by Rihanna as if it was my song. One thing everyone knows about me though is that I love Ariana Grande. Any opportunity I get, I will talk about her. She's my biggest inspiration.' Yandani's musical talent is purely that: talent. He tells us, 'I don't train at all. I just sing and hope for the best. I do want to get professional training though someday in the future so I can know all the tips and tricks on making sure I protect my vocals as years go by.' With a full EP on the way while working on solidifying his sound, Yandani has hit the ground running with his sonic passion. Yandani says, 'I think it's important to not overthink the decision to reach for your dreams. I know we tend to think of what people are going to say or the judgmental remarks we may receive but it's important to use that to drive you to greatness. 'Block every negative person out and focus on yourself. With that attitude you can be anything you want, and you'll definitely succeed in life and reach your goals and dreams.'
