Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu [Heads Up]

Performer: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Engineer: John Lindemann; John Linderman
Producer: Joseph Shabalala; Josweph Shabalala
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Joseph Shabalala, Msizi Innocent Shabalala, Thulani Shabalala, Sibongiseni Lucas Shabalala, Thamsanqua Shabalala, Albert Mazibuko, Abednego Mazibuko, Russel Mthembu. Audio Mixer: Martin Walters. Recording information: Downtown Studios. Photographer: Robert Hoffman. Shaka Zulu was the storied warrior king who ruled in South Africa in the early 1800s, ushering in the Zulu empire, and ILEMBE is the sound of South Africa's most famous musical sons paying tribute to his legend. As with all of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's best work, the album finds leader Joseph Shabalala and his crooning comrades delivering complex-yet-earthy a cappella harmonies that carry both ethereal and visceral effects simultaneously. As close to the group's hearts as the album's honoree may be, even casual listeners with little knowledge of Shaka Zulu's life and deeds are bound to be entranced by Ladysmith's vocal command and undeniably engaging, proudly beating musical heart.

Dirty Linen (p.75) - "Singing in their native Zulu language, the members harmonize about overcoming obstacles and learning from experience..." Harp (magazine) (p.103) - "The overwhelming beauty of this band is that even in the face of unthinkable hardship both the messge and the delivery are heaven-sent, positive and always peaceful."

From the South African musical style mbube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo popularized a more modern, sophisticated offshoot known as iscathamiya. They quickly became the genre's leading practitioners, with a vocal harmony blend that incorporated everything from mbube to gospel and doo wop. The group began recording in the mid-1970s, gaining great acclaim in their home country, but it wasn't until their collaboration with Paul Simon on his GRACELAND album in 1986 that Ladysmith broke through to an international audience. World tours, a US major-label deal, and a Grammy award followed.

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