The Hour

Ladysmith Black Mambazo took a break from their global tour to drop into the STV studios and wow us with their world-renowned music.

The South African male choral group, formed 45 years ago, are now considered South Africa’s most prolific recording artists.

They sing in the vocal style of isicathamiya – the traditional singing of the Zulu people – and have returned to the traditional a capella sound in their latest album ILEMBE: A Tribute to King Shaka.

The group worked alongside Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland, a move that paved the way for their international success and led to Simon producing a further three albums with the group.

The current members Joseph Shabalala, Msizi Shabalala, Russel Mthembu, Albert Mazibuki, Thulani Shabalala, Thamsanqa Shabalala, Sibongiseni Shabalala, Abednego Mazibuko and Ngane Dlamini are currently touring the UK as part of their world tour.

They popped in to The Hour to perform the song Hello my Baby from their latest album ILEMBE: A Tribute to King Shaka.

“It is a greeting song, it is a love song so for greeting people,” band member Albert Mazibuki said.

You can catch Ladysmith Black Mambazo in Scotland this week on Wednesday November 11 at Aberdeen Music Hall, on Thursday November 12 at Perth Concert Hall or on Friday November 13 at Edinburgh Usher Hall.

For more information, visit www.mambazo.com