Diamonds, Nelson Mandela and Charlize Theron aren’t the only awesome things to come from South Africa. The often-troubled country has also given the world one of its greatest musical treasures – Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The Grammy-winning male choral group, which will mark its 50th anniversary this year, is headed to the U.S. for a 40-city-plus tour in support of last year’s release “Ilembe.”
The nine-man a cappella outfit’s trek kicks off Jan. 31 at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Mich., and will see them on the road through the end of March.
Highlights along the way include stops at B.B. Kings Blues Club in New York City (Feb. 4), the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago (Feb. 13), Akron Civic Theatre in Ohio (Feb. 24), Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia (March 6), Newman Center for the Performing Arts in Denver (March 16) and the Bing Crosby Theatre in Spokane, Wash. (March 25).
Despite the fact that Ladysmith Black Mambazo is best known in the States for their work with Paul Simon on his iconic album Graceland, the group has also recorded with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban.
In addition, LBM has enjoyed decades of worldwide success on its own with hit singles like “Yibolabafana (These Are The Guys), ” “Amaphiko Okundiza (Wings to Fly),” “Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa)” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.”
The group’s album hits include No Boundaries, a 2005 collaboration with the English Chamber Orchestra that featured Western classical tunes by composers like Mozart and Bach alongside originals by LBM founder and musical director Joseph Shabalala.