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   from the issue of February 10, 2005

     
 
South African troupe Ladysmith retains traditional culture

They are known as South Africa's greatest cultural ambassadors as well as the best-selling African musical group in history. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who first gained international acclaim on Paul Simon's Graceland album, will perform at the Lied Center at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

The members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo hail from South Africa and perform a traditional style of music born in the mines of their homeland. In South Africa black workers were often taken far away from their homes and families to mines where they were forced to work six days a week in poor conditions. They would entertain themselves after work by singing and dancing. They called themselves "tip toe guys" because their dances were created so as not to disturb sleeping guards. When the miners returned home, along with them came the culture of the mines, which Ladysmith Black Mambazo now shares with the world.

The name Ladysmith Black Mambazo came about as a result of the group winning every musical competition they entered. "Ladysmith" is the hometown of originating member Joseph Shabalala. "Black" is in reference to black oxen, which are considered to be the strongest animals o n the farm. "Mambazo" comes from the Zulu word meaning "ax." This is symbolic of the group's ability to "chop down" the competition.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo first reached a worldwide audience when Paul Simon asked them to record harmonies for his Grammy-winning album, Graceland. After the success of Graceland, Ladysmith Black Mambazo released their first U.S. album, Shaka Zulu, produced by Simon, which won a Grammy Award in 1987 for Best Traditional Folk Album. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has over 40 albums to its credit. The group has also recorded for the soundtracks of films such as James Earl Jones' Cry the Beloved Country, Marlon Brando's A Dry White Season, and Disney's The Lion King Part II.

In 1992 Ladysmith Black Mambazo collaborated with the Steppenwolf Theater Company to create a play about the apartheid era in South Africa. The Song of Jacob Zulu (1993) was nominated for six Tony Awards and the group was awarded a Drama Desk Award for Best Original Score.

John Richmond, director of the School of Music, will give the pre-performance talk in the Lied's Steinhart Room 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Tickets are $35/$30/$25; half price for students. Call the Lied ticket office at (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231 for ticket availability.


GO TO: ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 10

ARTS HEADLINES FOR FEBRUARY 10

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South African troupe Ladysmith retains traditional culture
Taste of Harlem IV Feb. 27

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