Raise Your Spirit Higher: Wenyukela

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

Notes: Ladysmith Black Mambazo includes: Joseph Shabalala (vocals). This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD CD players. Ladysmith Black Mambazo includes: Joseph Shabalala (vocals). Perhaps no other singing group embodies the rich South African heritage of mbube and Iscathamiya singing more than Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Traditionally, these musical styles are structured around a call and response between a vocal soloist and an ensemble of backing singers. Such is the case with RAISE YOUR SPIRIT HIGHER, a beautiful, deeply sacred album that speaks volumes about a people's ability to overcome great odds. Lyrically, these songs seek to redefine and reclaim African tribal identity. At the same time, this music underscores the collective experience of all persons and all races. Centering on love and compassion, tunes such as "Music Knows No Boundaries" and "Black Is Beautiful" pay powerful tribute to the underprivileged and the disenfranchised. Other selections on this album reflect this group's profound spiritual calling. For example, "Uqinisil' Ubada," ("Lord Is the Light and Truth") and "Wenyukela" ("Raise Your Spirit Higher") emphasize the faith-based repertoire of this ensemble. On all of these pieces, lush vocal harmonies are set against a stark solo voice. This creates a series of compelling ebbs and flows, and dramatic musical transformations. Perhaps no other singing group embodies the rich South African heritage of mbube and Iscathamiya singing more than Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Traditionally, these musical styles are structured around a call and response between a vocal soloist and an ensemble of backing singers. Such is the case with RAISE YOUR SPIRIT HIGHER, a beautiful, deeply sacred album that speaks volumes about a people's ability to overcome great odds. Lyrically, these songs seek to redefine and reclaim African tribal identity. At the same time, this music underscores the collective experience of all persons and all races. Centering on love and compassion, tunes such as "Music Knows No Boundaries" and "Black Is Beautiful" pay powerful tribute to the underprivileged and the disenfranchised. Other selections on this album reflect this group's profound spiritual calling. For example, "Uqinisil' Ubada," ("Lord Is the Light and Truth") and "Wenyukela" ("Raise Your Spirit Higher") emphasize the faith-based repertoire of this ensemble. On all of these pieces, lush vocal harmonies are set against a stark solo voice. This creates a series of compelling ebbs and flows, and dramatic musical transformations.

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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