The legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo will kick off their SA Legacy Tour on the 24th of May at Joburg Theatre. The five time Grammy Award winning isicathamiya group,that has existed for six decades, will end their Johannesburg run on the 28th of May. Tickets are between R130.00 and R350.00 on Webtickets.
The Joburg Theatre show is a celebration of Africa Month as the 25th of May is Africa Day. " Ladysmith Black Mambazo is celebrating Africa day because our music is deeply rooted in African culture and heritage. Our entire South African tour was a about celebrating Africa's and our own roots and origins."
Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform at Durban's Playhouse from the 26th of September until the 1st of October 2023. Cape Town's Artscape hosts them from the 14 - 19 November, and in December they will be at Pretoria's State Theatre from the 15th to 17th.
The group that was formed in the early 60s has recorded and performed with global music icons, including Burna Boy, Josh Groban, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Winans, Dolly Parton and many more.
They were described by President Nelson Mandela as South African ambassadors of culture and heritage worldwide. Ladysmith Black Mambazo spend most of their year performing abroad, which makes this tour a special occasion for their SA fans who have long supported them.
"South African audiences were the first to endorse the success of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. From humble beginnings, the group broke records by being the top-selling music group in South Africa in the late 70s and 80s. " Says group member Sibongiseni Shabalala of the group started by his father Joseph Shabalala in the 1960s. "The overwhelming support from South African audiences and neighbouring countries paved the way for Ladysmith Black Mambazo to showcase their music globally."
Ladysmith Black Mambazo will embark on this national tour celebrating their journey in the music industry and thanking South Africans for the love and support they have shown over so many years.
"Performing at home is very special because the social issues of South Africa inspired the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo during the dark days of Apartheid till now. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a mirror of South African Society. " Says Albert Mazibuko who has been with the group since it began. "The South African National tour aims to reconnect with local audiences and also celebrate the legacy of the group since it was established."
"The founder of the group, Professor Joseph Shabalala, was a story teller and he used music to share his life's personal experience through music . Singing in front of South African audiences is like the completion of the Lifecycle of the musical journey." Adds Mazibuko.
Part of the legacy and one of the highlights of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's musical journey is being the anchors and touch bearers of isicathamiya music and indigenous music. Four years ago, Ladysmith Black Mambazo launched the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Mobile Academy which discovers and develops young aspiring groups who sing isicathamiya and indigenous music.
Says Shabalala, "Three of the groups we discovered have toured with Ladysmith Black Black Mambazo on its international tours. Each night of the South African tour we will have Mzamo Young Boys (KZN), Mohlakeng Accapellas ( Free State) , Bothshaelo Sunrise ( Free State) and Good News ( Mpumalanga) performing. "
Whilst in each city, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will also visit schools to motivate them and do a music masterclass with students.
The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Legacy Tour is supported by The Department of Sports Art and Culture and Msanzi Magic.
