Ladysmith Black Mambazo | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Founded by Joseph Shabalala during the 1960s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a Grammy-winning choral group from South Africa. Specializing in isicathamiya, a harmony-focused Zulu style of a cappella and offshoot of mbube, they became known to pop audiences around the world when Paul Simon featured them on his 1986 album, Graceland. After joining Simon on his 1987 Graceland tour, they became regular headliners on the international touring circuit. Born in 1941, Shabalala was one of eight children in a family that lived on a farm near the town of Ladysmith, South Africa. As the oldest boy, it was Josephs duty to take care of the family after his father died, and he eventually took up factory work. His first musical experience, save for a bit of fooling around on the guitar, came with a choral group called the Blacks. Shabalala eventually took over leadership of the group and became its main composer. The Blacks won the majority of the local vocal competitions and became the most popular Zulu vocal group, but Shabalala felt that something was missing. "I had been hearing a voice inside me," he said. "I didnt know it, but it was the voice of God." Shortly thereafter he became a Christian. Blending the choral music he heard in the Christian church with multiple elements of the Zulu tradition not typically combined, he forged his own style. When the Blacks refused to take part in Shabalalas experiments, he formed Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The group consisted of seven bass voices, an alto, a tenor, and Shabalala singing lead. After signing with Gallo Record Company, their recording debut, Amabutho, arrived in 1973. The combo began releasing albums at a staggering rate, creating a massive catalog of vocal music. After Ladysmith Black Mambazo contributed to the eclectic mix of styles on Simons international hit Graceland and joined him on the subsequent tour, Simon produced a trilogy of Warner Bros. releases for the group. Shaka Zulu, released in 1987, won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Recording. It was followed by 1988s Journey of Dreams and 1990s Two Worlds One Heart. Among continued releases for other labels, including Gallo, a pair of best-of samplers appeared on Shanachie, including 1992s Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The 2000 compilation In Harmony was issued by Wrasse. The group won another Grammy for 2004s Raise Your Spirit Higher, this time for Best Traditional World Music Album, and No Boundaries, which featured the English Chamber Orchestra, arrived on Headsup Records in 2005. In 2007, Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu was released in South Africa with an American edition following in 2008. It took home the Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album, and Live: Singing for Peace Around the World won the Best World Music Album Grammy in 2013. With a lineup featuring four of Joseph Shabalalas sons, who by that point had sung with the group for over 20 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo released Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents Around the World in 2017. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 29 Title: Shaka Zulu Released: 1987-04-28 Tracks: 10 Duration: 36:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Unomathemba (03:47) 2 Hello My Baby (03:09) 3 At Golgotha (03:57) 4 King of Kings (04:07) 5 Lomhalaba Kawunoni (The Earth Never Gets Fat) (02:56) 6 How Long? (03:05) 7 Ikhaya Lamaqhawe (Home of the Heroes) (03:13) 8 Yibo Labo (These Are the Guys) (04:39) 9 Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain (02:18) 10 Wawnsho Kubani? (Who Were You Talking To?) (05:30) |
| Shaka Zulu : Allmusic album Review : In the wake of their participation on his Graceland album, Paul Simon produced this Ladysmith album, their most accessible work for Western ears, which is pristinely recorded and sung partially in English. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 29 Title: Journey of Dreams Released: 1988 Tracks: 12 Duration: 44:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Umusa Kankulunkulu (Mercy of God) (03:23) 2 Lindelani (Get Ready) (03:53) 3 Ukhalangami (You Cry for Me) (03:11) 4 Bavimbindlela (The Stumbling Block) (03:15) 5 Bhasobha (Watch) (03:15) 6 Nomakanjani (Dark or Blue) (03:14) 7 Hamba Dompasi (No More Passbook) (03:33) 8 Ungayoni Into Enhle (Destroy Not This Beauty) (04:09) 9 Amaphiko Okundiza (Wings to Fly) (05:02) 10 Wayibambezela (Dont Waste Her Time) (05:35) 11 Ungakhohlwa (Dont Forget) (03:18) 12 Amazing Grace (03:07) |
 | Album: 3 of 29 Title: Zibuyinhlazane Released: 1989-10-21 Tracks: 10 Duration: 35:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Homeless (03:37) 2 Yinhle Lentombi (03:21) 3 Nomathemba (03:32) 4 Isigcino (03:42) 5 Nkosi Yama Khosi (03:20) 6 Isitimela Shambile (04:00) 7 Gijimani Wezintombi (03:39) 8 Amabutho (03:26) 9 Baleka Mfana (03:23) 10 Vulani Amasango (03:14) |
 | Album: 4 of 29 Title: Two Worlds One Heart Released: 1990 Tracks: 13 Duration: 48:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Township Jive (04:39) 2 Ofana Naye (Nobody Like Him) (04:51) 3 Bala Ubhale (Count and Write) (04:14) 4 Love Your Neighbor (04:01) 5 Leaning on the Everlasting Arm (04:52) 6 Rejoice (04:02) 7 Hayi Ngalesiskhathi (Not Right Now) (04:10) 8 Emhlabeni (In This World) (03:44) 9 Isikhathi Siyimali (Time Is Money) (03:35) 10 Nami Ngaze Ngamthola (I Found Him) (03:43) 11 Ngomnyango (By the Door) (01:51) 12 Scatter the Fire (03:22) 13 Cothoza Mfana (Tip Toes Guy) (01:17) |
| Two Worlds One Heart : Allmusic album Review : Few artists specializing in a cappella performances have enjoyed the commercial success of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, one of the most respected groups in South Africa. Singing to instruments for a change, Ladysmith gave its followers quite a surprise with the eclectic Two Worlds, One Heart, one of the most ambitious and eclectic albums it has ever done. The songs employing instruments range from the vibrant "Township Jive" to "Scatter the Fire" (a blend of synth-funk and African chanting that group leader Joseph Shabalala produced with American funkster George Clinton) to the doo wop-influenced "Love Your Neighbor." More typical of Ladysmith, songs like "Ofana Naye," "Cothoza Mfana" and "Emhlabeni" contain a cappella singing that blends South African sensibilities with the fervor of an African-American church choir. This is one of the most ambitious albums Ladysmith has ever done, and its risk-taking pays off handsomely. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 29 Title: Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star and the Wiseman) Released: 1992 Tracks: 10 Duration: 43:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star and the Wiseman) (04:50) 2 Ngaze Ngambona (I’ve Seen Him) (03:34) 3 Uthando Olungaka (What a Great Love) (05:09) 4 Ebetlehema Yiyo Lenkosi (In Bethlehem He Is the King) (04:57) 5 Lungisa Indela Yakho (Prepare Your Journey) (03:47) 6 Sadumela Intozabanye (We Sprang Upon Other People’s Things) (04:35) 7 Sithando Ngize Kuwe (Love, I’ve Come to You) (04:04) 8 Baxabene Babangani (Friends Have Quarrelled) (03:32) 9 Sibezwa Bekhuluma (We Hear Them Talking) (03:27) 10 Abantwana Basethempeleni (Children From the Temple) (05:53) |
 | Album: 6 of 29 Title: Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Released: 1992-06-22 Tracks: 16 Duration: 54:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Izithembiso Zenkosi (03:33) 2 Kubi Ukungalaleli (03:21) 3 Uphi Umhlobo (03:04) 4 Yimani (03:22) 5 Silgugu Isiphambano (03:40) 6 Limnandi Izulu (03:04) 7 Ayanqikaza Amagwala (03:20) 8 Thats Why I Choose You (02:53) 9 Isimanga Salomhlaba (03:02) 10 Ungikhumbule (03:30) 11 Amafutha Esibane (03:17) 12 Udla Ngenduku Zabanye (03:35) 13 Lifikile Ivangeli (03:26) 14 Pauline (03:38) 15 Induku zethu (04:10) 16 Isono sami sentombi (03:12) |
 | Album: 7 of 29 Title: Gift of the Tortoise Released: 1994-03-08 Tracks: 14 Duration: 37:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Introduction (02:41) 2 Kanje Kanje (03:00) 3 Rain Chant (02:24) 4 There Comes Our Mother (02:59) 5 Nomykelo (02:33) 6 Finger Dance (01:50) 7 Thekwane (02:08) 8 Vulani Ring! Ring! (01:28) 9 Boy Who Turned Into a Cat (04:38) 10 Paparam Vingo (03:46) 11 Shabala (02:38) 12 Two Shelleni (01:42) 13 Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) (03:11) 14 Peace Be With You (02:09) |
| Gift of the Tortoise : Allmusic album Review : Best known in America for their collaboration with Paul Simon on his albums "Graceland" and "Rhythm Of The Saints," Ladysmith Black Mambazo now offer this new album for children of ceremonial dances and music of the Zulu people. Enthusiastic narration is provided by Fudugazi, and an old troubadour tortoise played by popular South African performer, producer and director Gcina Mhlophe. Audiences of any age will be fascinated by this magical musical adventure. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 29 Title: Gospel Songs Released: 1995 Tracks: 33 Duration: 1:42:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Star and the Wiseman (04:51) 2 Finally (02:45) 3 The Boy Knocks (02:29) 4 Lord of Lords (02:59) 5 The Train (02:57) 6 This Mother (02:34) 7 King of Zulus (02:44) 8 Warriors (02:43) 9 There Is Money (05:13) 10 Name of a Woman (02:55) 11 Praiser (02:45) 12 It Eats Often (02:49) 13 The Wonder of the Hammerhead Bird (02:52) 14 Hey Man! (02:38) 15 My Fathers Cattle (02:47) 16 Hello My Baby (03:25) 17 They Are Knocking (03:18) 1 You are Lucky (02:44) 2 Zulus Love One Another (03:00) 3 The Tugela River (02:39) 4 The Boy that Runs Away (02:58) 5 Behold My Heart (02:30) 6 The Cross is Precious (03:07) 7 Our Father We have Entered (02:47) 8 The Wonder of This World (04:00) 9 Our Hearts (04:29) 10 It is the Blood of Sacrifices (03:18) 11 In Heaven (03:45) 12 Where is a Friend Like Jesus (03:00) 13 You Bore our Sins Jesus (02:26) 14 What Will Purify Me? (02:54) 15 Wake Up Jonas, Let Us Pray (03:09) 16 When I See the Saviour (02:29) |
| Gospel Songs : Allmusic album Review : Gospel Songs is a religiously oriented CD that underscores Ladysmith Black Mambazos Christian beliefs and deftly demonstrates the considerable talents of this all-male, ten-member a cappella group. A two-CD set, Gospel Songs contains 32 tracks; with the exception of one song, they are all sung in Zulu, the groups native South African language. In typical Ladysmith Black Mambazo form, all 32 songs are powerfully resonant and project an atmosphere full of hope and spirituality. Among the many noteworthy songs on the CD is the opening cut, "Inkanyezi Nezazi." It has a relaxed, lullaby feel and is full of richly textured polyphonic harmonies. Featured on a number of Heinz commercials, "Inkanyezi Nezazi" is, like most of the songs on the CD, built around a call-and-response structure that develops between a solo singer and the entire ensemble. In sum, Gospel Songs is a wholly accomplished work that complements the substantial body of work already created by director Joseph Shabalala and his Ladysmith Black Mambazo. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 29 Title: Thuthukani Ngoxolo Released: 1996 Tracks: 12 Duration: 50:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Kangivumanga (I Disagreed) (05:11) 2 Sisesiqhingini (Everything Is So Stupid) (04:20) 3 Wawukhona Yini E New York (Were You In New York?) (03:32) 4 Kumahala Yini Ukuhlonipha? (Nothing Is Paid For Respect) (04:04) 5 Izinto Ziyavuma (A Distinction) (04:38) 6 Lalel Izwi Kujehova (Surely Goodness & Mercy Shall Follow Me) (03:33) 7 AkehlulekUbaba (With God Everything Is Possible) (04:21) 8 Hlanganani Siyobula (The Guests Are Arriving) (03:52) 9 Kawujabullngani? (Why Arent You Happy?) (04:41) 10 Isondo Liyajika (What Goes Around Comes Around) (03:57) 11 Ayihlale Phansi (Lets Sit Down & Negotiate) (03:48) 12 Umunt Onjani? (What Kind Of Person Are You?) (04:38) |
 | Album: 10 of 29 Title: Heavenly Released: 1997-05-07 Tracks: 13 Duration: 59:28 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Yitho Umlilo Ovuthayo (03:47) 2 Knockin on Heavens Door (05:43) 3 Oh Happy Day (05:44) 4 People Get Ready (05:54) 5 Take My Hand, Precious Lord (05:05) 6 Sohlabelelu Hosana (04:06) 7 Ill Take You There (06:39) 8 Rain, Rain Beautiful Rain (03:10) 9 River of Dreams (05:30) 10 Jesus Is My Leader (03:08) 11 Chain Gang (03:53) 12 He Showed Me His Hands (02:51) 13 Ilungelo Ngelakho (03:56) |
 | Album: 11 of 29 Title: Spirit of South Africa: The Very Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Released: 1997-09-01 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:08:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Homeless (03:40) 2 Hello My Baby (03:26) 3 Kangivumanga (05:12) 4 Lelilungelo elakho (03:36) 5 Nomathemba (03:33) 6 Nkosi Yama Khosi (03:01) 7 Sisesiqhingini (04:20) 8 Zithi nqonqonqo (03:21) 9 Liph Iqiniso (03:31) 10 Inhle Lemtombi (03:23) 11 Nansi Imali (05:15) 12 Izinto ziyavuma (04:39) 13 Uthando olungaka (05:10) 14 Zintombi (03:40) 15 Awu wemadoda (02:39) 16 Vulani Amasango (03:18) 17 Yanda yabeletha (02:50) 18 Akehluleku Baba (04:20) |
 | Album: 12 of 29 Title: The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo: The Star and the Wiseman Released: 1998-09-21 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:18:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star & the Wiseman) (04:51) 2 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (05:45) 3 Swing Low Sweet Chariot (03:51) 4 Knockin on Heavens Door (05:43) 5 Kangivumanga (I Disagree) (05:12) 6 Sisesiqhingini (Everything Is So Stupid) (04:20) 7 Homeless (03:56) 8 Vulani Amasango (03:18) 9 Abezizwe Ngeke Bayiqede (03:40) 10 Sibezwa Bekhuluma (03:28) 11 Chain Gang (03:53) 12 Yibolabafana (04:30) 13 We Nhiziyo Yami (02:30) 14 Siligugu Isiphambano (03:03) 15 Rain, Rain Beautiful Rain (02:21) 16 Ngelekele (02:45) 17 Wonke Amehlo Azokumbona (02:58) 18 AkehlulekUbaba (With God Everything Is Possible) (04:21) 19 Liph Iqiniso (03:32) 20 World in Union 95 (03:54) |
 | Album: 13 of 29 Title: In Harmony Released: 1999 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:03:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Introduction (01:07) 2 In a Blue Moon (03:53) 3 Mbube (05:48) 4 Aint No Sunshine (04:02) 5 Nomathemba (Mother of Hope) (03:05) 6 (Nkosi SikelelI - Afrika) Shosholoza (05:47) 7 Lungisa Indela Yakho (03:35) 8 Ngothandaza Njalo (Ill Keep on Looking) (03:58) 9 Abezizwe (Dinfluence mix) (Uniting Nations Together) (03:52) 10 Hello My Baby (03:45) 11 Ill Take You There (03:41) 12 Baba Wethu Singenile (Our Father We Are Here) (03:31) 13 Abantwana Basethempeleni (Children of the Temple) (06:43) 14 Oh Happy Day (02:48) 15 Vuka Jonah Sithandaze (Wake Up Jonah Let Us Pray) (03:55) 16 Amazing Grace (Closer My God to Thee) (04:14) |
 | Album: 14 of 29 Title: Live at the Royal Albert Hall Released: 1999 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:14:23 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Introduction (00:46) 2 Vulani Amasango (Open the Gates) (04:16) 3 Ngamthola (06:00) 4 Hello My Baby (07:19) 5 Abadala (08:03) 6 King of Kings (06:47) 7 Wena Othanda (04:23) 8 Inkanyezi Nezazi (Star and the Wiseman) (06:26) 9 Ngothandaza Njalo (I Will Keep on Praying) (07:31) 10 Rain Rain Beautiful Rain (03:25) 11 Phansi Emigodini (Deep Down in the Mines) (13:37) 12 Homeless (05:44) |
| Live at the Royal Albert Hall : Allmusic album Review : Although theyve been performing together for over 30 years and have made more than 40 records, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have never made a live album until this performance. This recording finds the group (and particularly leader Joseph Shabalala) at the peak of its powers before a sold-out crowd at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Running through a program consisting of 11 Shabalala compositions that will be familiar to fans, the group sings on themes of love ("Hello My Baby," "Ngamthola"), spirituality ("King of Kings," "Ngothandaza Njalo" [I Will Keep on Praying]), the weather ("Rain Rain Beautiful Rain"), and even Christmas ("Inkanyezi Nezazi" [Star and the Wiseman]). Theres the requisite declaration of the groups musical superiority over competitors ("Vulani Amasango" [Open the Gates]) and the even more requisite rendition of "Homeless," a song that Shabalala co-wrote with Paul Simon and that Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed with him on the Graceland album. Highly recommended. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 29 Title: The Warner Bros. Collection Released: 2000 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:02:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Homeless (03:48) 2 Unomathemba (03:47) 3 Hello My Baby (03:09) 4 King of Kings (04:08) 5 How Long? (03:05) 6 Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain (02:18) 7 Wawusho Kubani? (Who Were You Talking To?) (05:27) 8 Hamba Dompasi (No More Passbook) (03:35) 9 Ungayoni Into Enhle (Destroy Not This Beauty) (04:10) 10 Ungakhohlwa (Dont Forget) (03:22) 11 Ibhubesi (The Lion Song) (03:35) 12 Township Jive (04:39) 13 Love Your Neighbor (04:01) 14 Leaning on the Everlasting Arm (04:52) 15 Hayi Ngalesiskhathi (Not Right Now) (04:10) 16 Cothoza Mfana (Tip Toes Guy) (01:17) 17 Amazing Grace (03:07) |
 | Album: 16 of 29 Title: The Ultimate Collection Released: 2001 Tracks: 34 Duration: 2:23:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Halala South Africa (Congratulations South Africa) (03:57) 2 Inkanyezi Nezazi (Star and the Wiseman) (04:48) 3 Amabutho (Warriors) (03:26) 4 Swing Low Sweet Chariot (03:50) 5 Dlondlobala Njalo (Preserve South Africas Traditional Culture) (Soul Drummers mix) (04:46) 6 Rain, Rain Beautiful Rain (02:21) 7 Sisesiqhingini (Everything Is So Stupid Stupid Stupid) (04:20) 8 Hello My Baby (03:27) 9 Mbayimbayi (A Weapon) (04:28) 10 Knockin on Heavens Door (05:43) 11 Homeless (03:56) 12 Amaphoyisa (Policeman) (04:36) 13 Abezizwe (Uniting Nations Together) (DInfluence mix) (03:42) 14 Lihlixhiba Likagogo (03:59) 15 Isimanga Salomhlaba (The Wonder of This World) (Soul Drummers mix) (05:17) 16 (Nkosi Sikeleli - Africa) Shosholoza (03:33) 17 Amazing Grace / Nearer to My God to Thee (04:12) 1 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (05:45) 2 Mbube (03:01) 3 Ebetlehema Yiyo Lenkosi (In Bethlehem He Is King) (04:58) 4 Aint No Sunshine (03:49) 5 New York City (04:06) 6 World in Union 95 (03:54) 7 Nomathemba (Mother of Hope) (03:31) 8 Qedusizi (04:21) 9 Chain Gang (03:51) 10 Khayelihle Khaya Lami (My Beautiful Home) (02:48) 11 Oh Happy Day (05:44) 12 Lifikile Ivangeli (The Gospel Has Arrived) (03:23) 13 Iningi Liyabon Ubuende (Many Spoil the Broth) (04:56) 14 Baxabene Babangani (Friends Who Have Quarrelled) (03:31) 15 Halleluya (03:32) 16 Yinhle Lentombi (This Lady Is Beautiful) (04:49) 17 Once in a Blue Moon (07:19) |
| The Ultimate Collection : Allmusic album Review : An overview of the career of Ladysmith Black Mambazo that far outdoes other compilations available (most notable of which is Shanachies Classic Tracks). This album covers a good deal of ground, with a good deal of guest stars throughout. It starts out with a few of the basic tracks from Ladysmith: a congratulation to South Africa after the end of apartheid, "The Star and the Wiseman" ("Inkanyezi Nezazi"), which brought the group some fame in the U.K., and a song dealing with the Zulu culture. As the album progresses, Ladysmith performs a spiritual alongside China Black in "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and a rendition of Bob Dylans "Knockin on Heavens Door" with Dolly Parton (yes, you read correctly). Along with this is "Homeless," a number originally done with Paul Simon (but without him here), and a pair of nice tracks from the Chillout Sessions remixed into ambient works by Marc Woolfords Soul Drummers. In the second album, they feature both a song with Paul Simon ("Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes") and a song in tribute of him ("New York City") for his work in exposing the Western world to their style of singing. Also featured is the original mbube, which was eventually turned into "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" in the U.S. British R&B; diva Desree performs the old Bill Withers hit "Aint No Sunshine" with Ladysmith, and Lou Rawls does Sam Cookes "Chain Gang" with them a few songs later. The Rugby Cups theme from 1995 is presented, along with a number of various tracks, eventually leading to some gospel (Joseph Shabalalas favorite genre to work in) in combination with the Heritage Gospel Choir on "Oh Happy Day." Overall, at 34 tracks, this stands as the longest compilation of Ladysmith tunes, and more importantly, it stands as the most comprehensive, showing off the highlights from each era of a long career for the band, with any number of highlights performed in conjunction with other performers thrown in for good measure. For the newcomer to the sounds of Ladysmith, this makes the perfect introduction thanks to its incredible breadth; for the collector, it provides a number of rarities that are more difficult to find otherwise. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 29 Title: Raise Your Spirit Higher (Wenyukela) Released: 2003-08-20 Tracks: 13 Duration: 50:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Wenyukela (Raise Your Spirit Higher) (04:51) 2 Uquinisil Ubaba (Lord Is The Light And Truth) (03:53) 3 Selingelethu Sonke (04:16) 4 Wangibambezela (Message From His Heart) (04:59) 5 Wenza Ngani? (How Did You Do That?) (04:36) 6 Udidekil Umhlaba (Lords Work) (04:30) 7 Iyahlonipha Lengane (04:07) 8 Wamuhle Umshado (Beautiful Wedding) (04:03) 9 Because I Love (04:08) 10 Black Is Beautiful (03:30) 11 Music Knows No Boundaries (03:06) 12 Fak Ibhande (Dont Drink and Drive) (03:25) 13 Tribute (01:17) |
 | Album: 18 of 29 Title: The Very Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain Released: 2004-11 Tracks: 32 Duration: 2:14:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Rain, Rain Beautiful Rain (02:21) 2 How Long (04:42) 3 Inkanyezi Nezazi (Star and the Wiseman) (04:48) 4 Swing Low Sweet Chariot (03:50) 5 (Nkosi Sikeli - Africa) Shosholoza (03:31) 6 Hello My Baby (03:24) 7 Knockin on Heavens Door (05:43) 8 Music Knows No Boundaries (03:04) 9 Sisesiqhingini (Everything Is So Stupid, Stupid, Stupid) (04:17) 10 Wenza Ngani (How Did You Do That?) (04:35) 11 Homeless (04:06) 12 Halala South Africa (Congratulations South Africa) (05:17) 13 Isimanga Salomhlaba (The Wonder of This World) (05:15) 14 Dlondlobala Njalo (Preserve South Africas Traditional Culture) (04:43) 15 Amazing Grace (04:11) 16 Silent Night (04:06) 1 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (05:45) 2 Mbube (Wimoweh) (02:59) 3 Qedusizi (04:18) 4 New York City (04:03) 5 Aint No Sunshine (03:49) 6 Iningi Liyabon Ububende (Many Spoil the Broth) (04:53) 7 Udidekilumhlaba (Lords Work) (04:29) 8 Because I Love You (04:07) 9 Lifiklie Ivangeli (The Gospel Has Arrived) (03:21) 10 Chain Gang (03:51) 11 Oh Happy Day (05:41) 12 Abezizwa (Uniting Nations Together) (03:39) 13 Isamanga Sikathewane (The Wonder of the Hammerhead Bird) (03:59) 14 Black Is Beautiful (03:27) 15 Halleluya (03:30) 16 Namathemba (Mother of Hope) (05:12) |
 | Album: 19 of 29 Title: Live at Montreux 1987/1989/2000 Released: 2005-09-06 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:12:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Wangibambezela (05:50) 2 Hello My Baby (06:56) 3 King of Kings (06:54) 4 Wena (16:53) 5 Amazing Grace (03:49) 6 Yibo Labafana (06:59) 7 Kwathata (06:32) 8 Homeless (04:34) 9 Nkosi Sikelela (03:04) 10 Nomathemba (04:27) 11 Yinhle Lentombi (06:55) |
| Live at Montreux 1987/1989/2000 : Allmusic album Review : This CD compiles the best of Ladysmith Black Mambazos performances at the Montreux Festival in reverse chronological order. It is also the soundtrack to a DVD of the various concert performances. While these songs do not necessarily represent a "greatest-hits live" collection, they do capture the great yet subtle energy of one of the finest vocal groups in modern history, and Live at Montreux, 1987, 1989, 2000 offers an intimate view of the group as they interact with the audience. Tracks like "Yibo Labafana," "Nkosi Sikelela," "Homeless," and the utterly gorgeous "King of Kings" provide deeper readings into the emotion and sensitivity Ladysmith approach their material with. There is a resonance here and an empathy not always found on their studio offerings. Recommended. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 29 Title: Thandani Released: 2006 Tracks: 10 Duration: 40:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Emshadweni (04:02) 2 Yekubuhle Bokukholwa (03:33) 3 Asisho Ingoma (04:08) 4 Ukubonga Kumnandi (04:05) 5 Jabulani Sesingabantwana (04:27) 6 Kanti Usasheba (04:44) 7 Umzuzu Nay Ujesu (03:54) 8 Ngingenwe Emoyeni (04:11) 9 Mhlangidinwa Ngikhathele (04:04) 10 Shwele Baba (03:10) |
 | Album: 21 of 29 Title: Long Walk to Freedom Released: 2006-01-24 Tracks: 13 Duration: 54:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Nomathemba (04:14) 2 Hello My Baby (04:58) 3 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (05:47) 4 Homeless (04:14) 5 Rain Rain Beautiful Rain (03:05) 6 How Long (05:14) 7 Mbube (04:02) 8 Amazing Grace / Nearer My God to Thee (03:32) 9 Nkosi Sikelel IAfrica (02:29) 10 Inkanyezi Nezazi "Star and the Wiseman" (05:06) 11 Shosholoza (04:53) 12 Long Walk to Freedom "Halala South Africa" (05:18) 13 Thula Thule "Bonus Track" (01:51) |
| Long Walk to Freedom : Allmusic album Review : It was a collaboration with a famous American pop star that broke Ladysmith Black Mambazo as an international act in the mid-80s, and on Long Walk to Freedom they enact a variation on the theme -- only in this case, the project is under their control and the American guests are an eclectic assortment of rock, folk, and pop musicians, who are also joined by pioneering Afro-European chanteuses Zap Mama and a veritable chorus of South African colleagues including Lucky Dube, Hugh Masakela, Thandiswa, and others. Youre getting nervous now, and youre right: this is one of those projects that could easily go either way, and in fact it goes both ways. Natalie Merchant brings absolutely nothing of substance or consequence to "Rain Rain Beautiful Rain," nor does Sarah McLachlan contribute much to the groups rather desultory remake of "Homeless." The new version of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" features Melissa Etheridge and Joe McBride, and is underwhelming until the end of the a cappella intro, at which point the band kicks in -- only its not a band, its Ladysmith singing all the instrumental parts, and its electrifying. The Afro-pop summit meeting that is "Shosholoza" works nicely as well. But the albums best tracks are those on which the group sings by itself: "Nomathemba," the opening track, is one of the albums best, and leader Joseph Shabalalas solo "Thula Thula" ends the program on a very strong note. The disc adds a generous program of CD-ROM tracks including music videos for "Raise Your Spirit Higher" (from their previous album) and "Long Walk to Freedom." Imperfect, but recommended. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 29 Title: Ilembe - Our Tribute to King Shaka Released: 2007-05-07 Tracks: 12 Duration: 51:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 O Mmu Beno Mmu (02:43) 2 Kuyafundw Osizini (Ilembe) (04:51) 3 Vela Nsizwa (05:16) 4 Lets Do It (05:08) 5 Umon Usuk Esweni (03:12) 6 Sizobalanda (05:17) 7 This Is the Way We Do (05:00) 8 Iphel Emasini (03:53) 9 Asekhon Amatshitshi (04:22) 10 Hlala Nami (04:14) 11 Prince of Peace (03:21) 12 Iphel Emasini (03:53) |
 | Album: 23 of 29 Title: Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu Released: 2008 Tracks: 12 Duration: 51:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 O Mmu Beno Mmu (02:42) 2 Kuyafundw Osizini (Ilembe) (04:51) 3 Vela Nsizwa (05:16) 4 Lets Do It (05:08) 5 Umon Usuk Esweni (03:12) 6 Sizobalanda (05:17) 7 This Is The Way We Do (05:00) 8 Iphel Emasini (03:53) 9 Asekhon Amatshitshi (04:22) 10 Hlala Nami (04:14) 11 Prince Of Peace (03:21) 12 Iphel Emasini (Nature Effects) (03:51) |
| Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu : Allmusic album Review : One thing about Ladysmith Black Mambazo is that you know exactly what youre getting. Wonderful vocal phrases and answering, and with Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu, it does what it says on the tin, honoring the great leader who really forged the Zulu nation. Group head Joseph Shabalala is still the frontman, and the hushed choral responses to his singing have a kid of awed magic about them. But even at low volume, theres no doubting the passion that pervades it all. The big problem is that the whole album is hushed -- theres no real variety in the arrangements from track to track, and little variation in tempo, which can make it all seem a bit like one endless cut. No doubting the quality, but to really make a lasting impact, it needs something more, like the experimentation theyve undertaken in the last few years. It all ends up feeling like a holding action, which is fine, and every group needs them occasionally, but its not an outstanding work in their canon musically, despite the subject matter and the reverence (quite possibly too reverent) with which they treat it. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 29 Title: Tip Toe Guys: The Soul Of Released: 2009-02-16 Tracks: 35 Duration: 2:20:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Beautiful Rain (02:23) 2 Hello My Baby (03:27) 3 Aint No Sunshine (03:50) 4 How Long (04:46) 5 Abezizwe (Uniting Nations Together) (DInfluence mix) (03:42) 6 Unomathemba (03:40) 7 World in Union (03:53) 8 Sisesiqhingini (04:20) 9 Halleluya (03:33) 10 Halala South Africa (05:20) 11 Imbube (03:02) 12 Oh Happy Day (05:43) 13 Wenyukela (Raise Your Spirit Higher) (04:53) 14 Sohlabelelu Hosana (04:10) 15 Wenza Ngani (How Did You Do That) (04:38) 16 Isimanga Salomhlaba (05:18) 17 Because I Love You (04:08) 1 Shosholoza (04:54) 2 Uyobunenhlanhla (You Are Lucky) (02:37) 3 Ill Take You There (06:40) 4 Ushaka (King of Zulu) (02:46) 5 Black Is Beautiful (03:29) 6 Dlondlobala Njalo (Preserve South Africas Culture) (04:44) 7 Mamizolo (03:26) 8 Iningi Liyabon Ububende (Many Spill the Broth) (04:56) 9 New York City (04:06) 10 Lihl’ Ixhiba Likagogo (My Grandmothers Kitchen) (04:00) 11 Isitimela (The Train) (02:58) 12 Amabutho (Warriors) (02:45) 13 Yinhle Lentombi (This Lady Is Beautiful) (04:49) 14 Amazing Grace/ Nearer My God to Thee (03:31) 15 O Mmu Beno Mmu (02:42) 16 This Is the Way We Do (04:59) 17 Iphel’ Emasini (03:52) 18 Nkosi Sikelel IAfrica (02:27) |
 | Album: 25 of 29 Title: Songs from a Zulu Farm Released: 2011-02-07 Tracks: 16 Duration: 46:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Yangiluma Inkukhu (The Biting Chicken) (03:03) 2 Zulu Laduma (Voices Like Thunder) (03:01) 3 Imithi Gobakahle (Children Come Home) (03:55) 4 Cabhayeye (Puddles!) (01:48) 5 Ntulube (Away, You River Snakes) (03:11) 6 Wemfana (Bad Donkey) (03:53) 7 Ekhaya (Dont Leave Home Too Soon) (03:32) 8 Wemfazi Ongaphesheya (River Talk) (01:04) 9 Leliyafu (Clouds, Move Away!) (02:56) 10 Uthekwane (The Prettiest Bird?) (02:35) 11 Imbongolo (The Donkeys Complaint) (01:42) 12 Ixegezi (Catch the Bird) (02:12) 13 Lezonkomo (Praise the Cows and Bulls) (03:46) 14 Vuka (Wake Up Little Chicks) (02:26) 15 Thalaza (I Miss My Home, I Miss the Farm) (04:00) 16 Old McDonald... Zulu Style (03:01) |
| Songs from a Zulu Farm : Allmusic album Review : Something of a follow-up to 1994s Gift of the Tortoise, Songs from a Zulu Farm is another Ladysmith Black Mabazo childrens album, on which the nine-member South African male choir led by Joseph Shabalala sings traditional songs relating to children, specifically back home on the farm. Since the singing is in Zulu for the most part, the focus on nature, children, and animals may not be immediately apparent to an English speaker, who will hear the disc as a typical collection of a cappella singing, with Shabalala taking a lead part in front of the groups harmonies on short, repeated phrases. But occasionally the sounds of laughing children and animals intrude, and occasionally an English phrase is used, such as in "Imithi Gobakahle (Children Come Home)." Children on the farm in South Africa face issues that may not be encountered elsewhere, as is apparent in "Ntulube (Away, You River Snakes)." But they seem to be as fascinated by animals as children anywhere, and its no surprise that "Old McDonald…Zulu Style" sounds like "Old McDonald" in other countries, complete with the sounds the animals make, common in any language. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 29 Title: Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Friends Released: 2012-01-09 Tracks: 30 Duration: 2:12:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Knockin on Heavens Door (05:43) 2 Weeping (04:44) 3 Homeless (03:48) 4 Aint No Sunshine (03:47) 5 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (05:45) 6 Shosholoza (04:51) 7 World in Union (03:50) 8 Passage to Promise (02:28) 9 Amazing Grace / Nearer My God to Thee (03:28) 10 Chain Gang (03:48) 11 Rain Rain Beautiful Rain (03:01) 12 Jabulani Rejoice (03:33) 13 Swing Low Sweet Chariot (03:47) 14 Bread of Heaven "Wales Forever" (03:26) 15 Dlondlobala Njalo (Soul Drummers mix) (04:43) 1 Homeless (04:12) 2 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (05:42) 3 Hello My Baby (04:58) 4 People Get Ready (05:53) 5 Abezizwe (Uniting Nations Together) (03:50) 6 Paradise Road (04:33) 7 One Blood (05:33) 8 O Happy Day (05:41) 9 River of Dreams (05:28) 10 Mbude (03:58) 11 Ill Take You There (06:37) 12 Inkanyezi Nezazi (Spiral Staircase remix) (04:07) 13 Sohlabele Hasana (04:05) 14 Angimboni Ofana Naye (04:11) 15 Mamizolo (Women of Mambazo) (03:25) |
 | Album: 27 of 29 Title: Music From Inala: A Zulu Ballet Released: 2014-10-03 Tracks: 15 Duration: 49:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Opening message / Wongilinda ngfike / Phoshozwayo (04:50) 2 Ngiyayazi into engiyenzayo / Uzokhala ngobani na? (01:36) 3 Ezamalobolo (03:02) 4 Khulumanaye (04:53) 5 Sisebenza kanzima (01:16) 6 Wamuhle ntombi (05:15) 7 Ngisele ngedwa (02:13) 8 Usheshe wafika (02:24) 9 Ngidonse (01:58) 10 Nom ungangishiya / Zobuya nini na? / Uhlulekile umakoti (04:29) 11 Mana kancane (02:02) 12 Usizi (04:03) 13 Kuhle laphekhaya (03:59) 14 Siyo phinda futhi sibonane (04:14) 15 Woza sambe (03:28) |
 | Album: 28 of 29 Title: Celebrating Our History 1973-1974 Released: 2016 Tracks: 24 Duration: 1:09:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Amabutho (02:50) 2 Isigcino (02:53) 3 Yadla Yabeletha (02:56) 4 Awu Wemadoda (02:42) 5 Ushaka (02:49) 6 Mlaba (02:48) 7 Nomathemba (02:58) 8 Nqonqota Mfana (02:36) 9 Sivuya Sonke (02:53) 10 Nkosi Yamakhosi (03:06) 11 Utugela (02:41) 12 Ngelekelele (02:47) 13 Istimela (03:01) 14 Vulanamasango (02:51) 15 Jomba Mlaleli (02:35) 16 Sasuka Lemakhaya (03:06) 17 Wematshitshi (02:47) 18 Isimanga Sikathekwane (02:56) 19 Zithi Ngonqonqo (03:23) 20 Khulekani Zinsizwa (03:09) 21 Ikhaya Likababa (02:42) 22 Sibezwile (02:54) 23 Thandiwe Wami (02:52) 24 Izinkomo Zikababa (02:46) |
 | Album: 29 of 29 Title: Shaka Zulu Revisited Released: 2017 Tracks: 11 Duration: 46:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Unomathemba (04:11) 2 Hello My Baby (04:44) 3 Golgotha (04:53) 4 King of Kings (03:40) 5 Lomhlaba Kawunoni (03:36) 6 How Long? (03:51) 7 Ikhaya Lamaqhawe (03:59) 8 Yibo Labo (05:21) 9 Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain (02:57) 10 Wawusho Kubani? (05:03) 11 This Little Light of Mine (03:41) |