SA: Ladysmith Black Mambazo documentary ‘in the works’

It is not clear when the documentary will be released but the timing coincides with the formation of the group 60 years ago. It will tell the story of LBM and its late founder Joseph Shabalala who died in February.

The documentary will be directed by South African storyteller and award-winning director Phumelelo Mbele.

“The most important thing is that they are the epitome of African music,” Mbele told a local online radio station. "The role that they have played in taking our traditional music to the international stage is unbelievable and it's bizarre that we don’t seem to celebrate them or put them on a pedestal like anybody else in the world who has taken culture to another level."

The producers of the film reportedly received R350 000 ($20 000) from the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) so that the documentary could become a reality.

“It is important to allow filmmakers to tell their stories their own way and each funded production company needs to have the approval and buy-in of the family to tell the story,” NFVF CEO Makhosazana Khanyile was quoted as saying. "The NFVF neither requests nor maintains editorial control on any of its funded projects. However, we offer story support in development with regard to all funded projects.”

LBM manager Xolani Majozi said: “We believe Mambazo fans will be taken on a musical journey of these world music icons through this documentary. The documentary will celebrate the life and times of the late founder, Dr BJ Shabalala, and also tell the story of how Ladysmith Black Mambazo became international icons through isicathamiya music.

“The group is also working on a number of projects aimed at preserving its legacy and celebrating a life well-lived and a journey well-travelled. This will be celebrated through live events and other various art forms.”

Shabalala was born in the town of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal in 1940. The group earned local fame in the early 1970s and had its biggest break in 1986 when Paul Simon travelled to South Africa to collaborate with local artists for his Graceland album, giving the group worldwide recognition. The following year, LBM won its first solo Grammy for the album Shaka Zulu. Since then, LBM has won five Grammys, making it the most successful African export in terms of Grammy victories.