Following their successful tour of Cape Town two years ago, globally acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo is gearing up for another triumphant return to the Mother City.
The multi-award-winning group will set the Artscape Theatre stage ablaze with their music from Friday 10 until Sunday 12 October.
And they hope to emulate their 2023 tour, when they performed in front of a sold-out Artscape Theatre for two nights.
This weekend’s show forms part of the group’s nationwide tour to mark their 65th anniversary.
They will be joined on stage by Abantakwethu, a Khayelitsha-based isicathamiya (acapella) group which they discovered during their previous visit to Cape Town.
Established in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has continued to wow audiences at home and abroad despite many changes to the personnel, and the Cape Town event will be no different.
In an interview with People’s Post ahead of their much-anticipated visit to the Mother City, vocalist Sibongiseni Shabalala said the tour was in response to calls made by the patrons in 2023.
“We are back by popular demand,” he said. “When we were here, we sang in front of a packed venue and people wanted more.”
Shabalala shared how the group has embraced change, transitioned from the generation that established it to the current crop of singers. “We still stick to the same old message of peace and togetherness and we encourage people to love one another,” he explained.
While the group will be performing many of their popular songs, Shabalala also promised supporters a taste of their new music.
“The main purpose of our tour is to celebrate our 65th anniversary with our supporters. We also have a new single that we are promoting.
“My father (Joseph Shabalala) taught us to use music that will unite the people, a music that is relevant and we are continuing with that legacy as much as we continue to tap into the youth. People of Cape Town must come out and have fun,” Shabalala elaborated.
He praised his late father for planting a seed that continues to flourish years after his demise.
While most music groups die within 10 years, Shabalala hailed his father for ensuring continuity.
“My father was able to train us from a young age. He always had the door open to anyone who wanted to say something. He encouraged open communication. Instead of criticising someone, he embraced different opinions,” he said.
Now 53, Shabalala joined the group at the age of 21, and is part of the musicians that continue to bring smiles and excitement among audiences in South Africa and the rest of the world.
“There is a general belief that we are more popular abroad which is not true. If we were not popular and supported here at home we would not be where we are. We are here to say thank you to South Africa and people around the world, especially SA. They are the ones who supported this group.
“They are the ones who sacrificed their monies to support this group despite the challenges of the past,” he said and appealed to Capetonians not to miss out the show.
Tickets are available through Webtickets
You must be logged in to post a comment.