On 28 January 2018, at the prestigious 60th Annual Grammy Awards held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, South Africa’s legendary isicathamiya choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo (LBM) once again cemented their place in global music history. The group won Best World Music Album for their project Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration, a reimagined tribute to their groundbreaking 1987 Grammy-winning album Shaka Zulu.
Released on 10 January 2017, Shaka Zulu Revisited paid homage to the group’s founder, the late Joseph Shabalala, who was instrumental in pioneering the isicathamiya genre—a traditional Zulu style of harmony-driven a cappella singing. Shabalala, who Nelson Mandela once described as “South Africa’s cultural ambassador,” founded the group in the 1960s in Durban.
A Legacy of Grammy Triumphs
This win marked Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s fifth Grammy Award, further adding to their legacy as one of the most decorated African music groups on the world stage. Their previous Grammy victories include:
- Shaka Zulu (1988) – Best Traditional Folk Recording
- Raise Your Spirit Higher (2004) – Best Traditional World Music Album
- Ilembe: Honouring Shaka Zulu (2009) – Best Traditional World Music Album
- Singing for Peace Around the World (2014) – Best World Music Album (Live)
(See posts on their official X account commemorating the win: Tweet 1 and Tweet 2)
About Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Formed originally by Shabalala’s brothers Headman and Enoch Shabalala, cousins Albert, Milton, Funokwakhe, Abednego and Joseph Mazibuko, and close friends Matovoti Msimanga and Walter Malinga, Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s lineup has evolved over the years. Today, the group’s members include Shabalala’s sons Thulani, Thamsanqa, Sibongiseni and Msizi, alongside Albert Mazibuko, Abednego Mazibuko, Pius Shezi, Sabelo Mthembuand Mfanafuthi Dlamini.
The group first achieved international prominence in 1986 when they collaborated with Paul Simon on his Grammy-winning album Graceland, a landmark project that introduced South African sounds to mainstream global audiences.
With over 100 albums and compilations, Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s contributions to South African indigenous music have shaped cultural consciousness worldwide. The group’s performances, characterized by rich vocal harmonies and traditional Zulu dance, have captivated audiences for nearly five decades.
Global Collaborations and Timeless Music
LBM’s reach extends beyond borders and genres, having collaborated with world-renowned artists including Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton, David Guetta, Brenda Fassie, MiCasa and many more. Their catalogue features iconic tracks that remain etched in global memory, including:
- “Homeless”
- “Nkosi Sikelela”
- “Nomathemba”
- “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” (with Paul Simon)
- “World in Union” (with P.J. Powers)
- “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” (with China Black)
- “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” (with Dolly Parton)
- “Sugar” (with MiCasa)
- “Amazing Grace” (with Paul Simon)
- “Abezizwe Ngeke Bayiqede”
The Pride of South Africa
Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s success has placed South African indigenous music on the world stage, making them true cultural ambassadors. Their artistry continues to preserve and elevate the isicathamiya tradition, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
“Our mission has always been to spread a message of peace, hope and unity through music,” the group said following their 2018 Grammy win. “This award is not just for us, but for South Africa and Africa as a whole.”
From rural KwaZulu-Natal to the grandest stages in the world, Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues to showcase the richness of South African heritage with every performance, solidifying their status as icons of world music.
