LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Can you remember when Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album came out to critical praise? Paul’s musical genius and vision for something new with the spirit of Africa was a breakthrough for something fresh and unique.

Now, do you remember the background singers on tunes like “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes”? The backup singers were in fact the legendary South African choir, Ladysmith Black Mambazo from the township of Ladysmith. Ladysmith also performed two incredibly poignant songs on “Graceland” including “Homeless” and “Under African Skies” with Paul Simon and Linda Ronstadt.

It was my honor to have produced part of the American tour of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the Southwestern United States during the same time frame that Nelson Mandela was being released from prison after a 25 year internment. Every show in every city crackled with world energy given the huge success of Ladysmith’s launch via Paul Simon.

The African phenomenon of “choirs” is common to dozens of townships and cities throughout South Africa. One can often find choirs in small parks and gathering places dressed in the same attire and blessed with the same passion for singing. These groups, singing in a cappella, create a lilting and beautiful sound of hope, joy and playfulness that one may not associate with the region and it’s history. A cousin to this vibe would be blues in America via the Mississippi Delta area where people are dirt poor but the music is like a primal arrow piercing the heart. John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters are two of dozens of bluesmen that came out of a social and economic environment not unlike the townships in Africa.

During 2001, I was able to visit South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe to immerse myself in the culture, music and the stunning countryside. I had, indeed, come full circle to the birthplace of humanity.

Throughout my career, I have been blessed to have been a part of presenting incredibly gifted ethnic artists from around the world including Hugh Masakela (South Africa), Milton Nascimento (Brazil), Toots and the Maytals and Peter Tosh (Jamaica) and dozens more.

The power of music truly is a cultural bridge bringing a wide variety of people together in the harmonious exchange of art at its root – the story of life through the generations.