Ladysmith Black Mambazo
UMASS Fine Arts Center, Amherst, MA
January 30, 2013
by Eric Sutter
For 50 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has taken its message
of peace, love, and harmony around the world through their unique musical
fusion of traditional South African and Christian gospel music. The group
crosses cultural boundaries with musical messages in an Isicathamiya (a
cappella) choral style. Intricate rhythms and nature effects combined with
their glorious voices to create sounds that mystified the audience.
The nine-man troupe began with the chant, "I Love My
Brothers and Sisters”. This beautiful music is so joyful it crossed the entire
emotional spectrum, evoking enthusiasm and excitement regardless of spiritual
direction. Love songs and folk songs weaved vivid imagery that transported one
to another place. "Uthekwane" (The Prettiest Bird), from their latest
CD "Songs from a Zulu Farm" brought forth singing in Zulu and
English. Funky dancing and clowning ensued -- high Zulu leg kicks, hand claps
and foot stomps enhanced the musical vision. Lead singer Joseph Shabalala led
the group with his high tenor as alto and bass voices harmonized on the first
song he wrote, "Nomathemba”. Passing the tradition on, his youngest son
sang lead falsetto on the love song "Hello By Baby," which raised
spirits high with some smooth hip-shakin' dance moves. Some pieces described
their beautiful jungle homeland with bush calls, whistles, and bird sounds.
The second half celebrated Mambazo's worldwide recognition
from Paul Simon's landmark 1986 recording, "Graceland" with a
wonderful rendition of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes." Their
body language expressed lots of joy, with literal body movement light on their
feet on the tips of toes. "Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain" from 2006's
"Long Walk to Freedom" was a soulful nature ballad. The Paul Simon
penned "Homeless" was well received. The group is superior at
expression of universal joy and sadness through music. The South African folk
song, "Shosholoza" or "Down In The Mines" was sung as
audience participated, clapping to the beat. Mambazo encored with the hopeful
message of "Amazing Grace”.
