The music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo exemplifies the wealth of harmonic opportunities possible within a diatonic setting. There are no avant-garde alterations or sophisticated syncopations in the arrangements of their songs, yet their music encapsulates the spirit of a culture that saliently resonates with all people. There exists a calming simplicity in their sound, yet it contradicts the Three Blind Mice fate of music feared by many in the description of Marshall McLuhan's global village. Their expressions are authentic, regional and historically consistent. As a result, their style is not solely a by-product of recent influences, but instead draws largely on traditional elements of South African music that are quite possibly as old as the Limpopo River. Their orchestration is not exclusively a cappella, but nevertheless it is their ethnically driven vocal approach which defines their sound. Plagal cadences are a mainstay in their choruses, while emphatic phrases are often initiated on the downbeat to maintain rhythmic flow. Founded by Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs with genuine intent to spread good will to humanity through song.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo has worked with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Miriam Makeba and Taj Mahal to literally name only a few. Their songs have been featured in the soundtracks of The Lion King and Coming To America. They are undoubtedly recognized by many for their participation in the popular Lifesavers television commercials of the 1990s. Yet what continues to remain Ladysmith Black Mambazo's most captivating music is their traditional Isicathamiya and Mbube repertoire which originates in Zulu heritage. Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star and the Wiseman) addresses the importance of acknowledging the contributions of one's ancestors, alternating in arrangement between lead vocalist and full ensemble much the way Mozart concertos feature solo and tutti sections. Their version of Nkosi Sikeleli Africa (an evolved hybrid of South Africa’s national anthem) stirs sentiment in the vein of Boyz II Men’s patriotic medley. Abantwana Basethempeleni, which celebrates the purity of the human condition found in children's innocence, can easily be categorized as a Sub-Saharan counterpart to Michael Jackson's Heal The World.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo's selections in thematic material greatly contribute to why their music is regarded as universal. Perhaps Shabalala himself puts it best when describing the reason that they have achieved such widespread global acclaim. He states, “Without hearing the lyrics, this music gets into the blood, because it comes from the blood.” In live performances, Ladysmith Black Mambazo combines eloquent vocal harmonies with facetiously animated dance choreographies that sometimes resemble Motown steps and other times resemble tactical warrior movements similar to those seen in Brazilian Capoeira. Always artistic and expressive, Joseph Shabalala successfully characterizes the greater purpose of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music when he says, “We are teachers. We travel the world spreading our message of Peace, Love and Harmony. What could be better or more important than that.”
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