Ladysmith Black Mambazo to honour Mandela at SA State Theatre

Mandela, who had a cordial relationship with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, proclaimed the group and its members South African cultural ambassadors to the world after special appearances with the ensemble on a number of occasions.

“We have a great history with uBaba Tata Mandela, I just wish he could have made it to 100 years,” Ladysmith Black Mambazo member Sibongiseni Shabalala told Music In Africa.

“If you talk about Nelson Mandela, you are talking about one of the heroes and leaders who paved the way for the freedom that we are enjoying today. When celebrating Africa Day, you can’t separate it with commemorating the 100 years that he would have lived.”

The relationship with the former statesman dates back when the group performed at Mandela’s presidential inauguration in 1994. This was followed by Mandela’s request to travel with the group to Oslo, Norway, where he received the Nobel Peace Prize. The relationship continued when Ladysmith Black Mambazo dedicated their fifth Grammy Award to the late leader.  

“As Ladysmith Black Mambazo, we have a history of working with Nelson Mandela, our leader. After coming out of prison in 1990 he had his birthday at Carlton Centre in Johannesburg in 1993 and he invited Ladysmith Black Mambazo to perform," Shabalala said.

“It was a happy moment for me. It was such a great honour because I was still young. It was the year I joined the group. That day was my fifth or sixth performance with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.”

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been performing since the early 1960s when it was started by Joseph Shabalala, the father of Sibongiseni Shabalala. The group is regarded as one of the most successful acts out of Africa and was central to Paul Simon's seminal album Graceland.

To buy tickets for Ladysmith Black Mambazo live at the SA State Theatre, click here.

For more information, visit the SA State Theatre official website.