Ladysmith Black Mambazo celebrates their 65th year of performance this year. Since Joseph Shabalala first assembled his group in the township Ladysmith, South Africa, the baton of leadership has passed from Joseph to his sons with potential to continue with his grandsons who are also now members of the musical group.
Likewise, audience members might share in a multigenerational appreciation of the choral group as the band has been performing at the Dakota for many years. Once more on April 6th, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will take the Dakota stage and fill the evening of Easter Monday with isicathamiya harmonies juxtaposed with the powerful mbube singing for which they are so well known.
With a new album released in February of this year, the band stays true to their original mission, that is, to bring a message of peace and love to others. Their most senior member joining the band in 1969, Albert Mazibuko, stressed in past interviews with Mshale their deep desire to connect with young people.
While he said this in 2017, the essence of their music and its missive remains. “We believe if we give this message to the young ones, they [will] grow up to love one another. We want to include the parents, bringing the parent and child together. The family today [doesn’t] have much to do together. We put these songs of families together to give [them] time together. To encourage them,” Mazibuko said.
Their latest album, One Voice – One World, is more than a collaboration with Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza, but more a complete fusion of their various sounds. Makhathini will perform at the Dakota in May so unfortunately too late for a cameo appearance when Ladysmith Black Mambazo will appear in April, but attending both shows although they are a month apart would complement one another.
The album honors the legacy of founder Dr. Joseph Shabalala, coinciding with the band’s 2026 international tour running from February to April.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo will present their show twice at The Dakota, 7 pm and 9 pm. Tickets available here.
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About Susan Budig
Susan is based in Minneapolis and reports on general assignments for Mshale with a focus on entertainment. In addition to reporting, she is also a writer, poet, teacher and coach.
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