LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Live At The Royal Albert Hall (Shanachie)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Under the leadership of Joseph Shabalala, this South African a capella group has recorded thirty-some albums and gained international fame for their own work and their collaboration with Paul Simon on his Graceland album. The result is an impressive catalog of songs, some of the best of which they offer to a hugely appreciative audience on this live set from the Royal Albert Hall last year.

With a unique synthesis of Zulu traditional styles and Christian choral styles, Ladysmith Black Mambazo may not be the most representative group of South African performers, but they are the best known, and thus they represent South African music to most of the world. South Africa could do a lot worse. Their spiritual zeal is a match for their impressive vocal talents, which infuses their performances with a quality that transcends the material, whether they are performing a gospel song, something from their African tradition or a Paul Simon pop nugget.

Every CD collection should have a Ladysmith Black Mambazo album tucked away somewhere, and this is a great place to start.

Track List:

Introduction * Vulani Amasango (Open The Gates) * Ngamthola * Hello My Baby * Abadala * King Of Kings * Wena Othanda * Inkanyezi Nezazi (Star And The Wiseman) * Ngothandaza Njalo (I Will Keep On Praying) * Rain Rain Beautiful Rain * Phansi Emigodini (Deep Down In The Mines) * Homeless

© 2000 - Shaun Dale