Ladysmith Black Mambazo Visits DC
Blending the rhythms and harmonies of their native South African, Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings their unique sound of Christian gospel inspired song to Washington DC.
Coming to George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium in March, this concert is a rare opportunity to see this 3-time Grammy award-winning singing group who’s roots go back to South Africa miners traditional music called isicathamiya, which is a characterized as a loudly and powerful harmonic blend of voices.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo were featured on Paul Simon’s 1986 Graceland CD, which help them gain worldwide recognition.
First formed in South Africa in 1964, the group of nine male singers was so good that they were often excluded from competing in local a cappella singing competitions. They have since preformed or recorded with other musical greats such as Stevie Wonder, Mavis Staples, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris. They also provided material for the soundtrack for Disney’s The Lion King II movie.
Their tight harmonies and rich voices led them to win a Grammy in 1988 for Best Traditional Folk Album, Shaka Zulu. Since then, they have been nominated 15 times, winning an additional 2 Grammy awards.
Their music catalog includes favorites such as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “Oh Happy Day,” as well as hundreds of original songs and traditional African folk tunes from their 40+ recordings mostly sung in their native language.
But as fans of Ladysmith Black Mambazo say, you don’t need to understand the words to love the music.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo — Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 21st and H Streets, NW, Washington DC (map)
Date and Time - Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 8:00 pm.
Tickets – $25.00 -$55.00. Tickets are available online, by phone at or at the box office.
Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom/GWU – Blue and Orange lines, then a 3–block walk.
Parking – Limited metered street parking or paid garage parking (cash only) at the University Garage, at I & 22nd St.
Images – Flickr – Ladysmith Black Mambazo
