Gift of the Tortoise

Performer: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Engineer: Paul Stubblebine; Warren Dennis
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Personnel includes: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Gcina Mhlophe, Johnny Clegg, Rita Lackey, Fauna Dillon-Ostrow, Iona Dillon-Ostrow, Takhus Ekedal, Leib Ostrow, "Pops." Producers: Joseph Shabalala, Gcina Mhlophe, Leib Ostrow. GIFT OF THE TORTOISE is a children's album of Zulu songs and stories narrated by Gcina Mhlophe, with music by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Johnny Clegg. Personnel: Geina Mhlophe, Fauna Dillon-Ostrow, Tahkus Ekedal, Rita Lackey (vocals); Johnny Clegg (guitar); Leib Ostrow (shaker). Liner Note Author: Leib Ostrow. Unknown Contributor Roles: Albert Mazibuko; Abednego Mazibuko; Russel Mthembu. 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. ~ MusD

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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