Celebrate Brooklyn with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
One of the world’s most famous choral groups, “Ladysmith Black Mambazo” from South Africa, is coming to “Celebrate Brooklyn” in Prospect Park on June 28 at 7:30pm.
Achieving stardom as a result of partnering with Paul Simon on his watershed, award-winning album “Graceland” in 1986, “Ladysmith Black Mambazo” has been singing as a group for almost 50 years.
Founded by Joseph Shabalala, LBM itself has been the recipient of many music awards. Today this completely male choral group has only two of its original members among them, Shabalala and Albert Mazibuko. There are two basic styles of song the chorus engages in: isicathamiya, which has its emphasis on harmony; and mbube, which focuses its energies on loud, strong singing.
The group tours a great deal throughout the world. Spreading the message of their music is one of the main functions of the group, according to Mazibuko, who joined LBM in 1969.
“Sharing our music and culture with people all over the world is our mission and we are very serious about it” he said.
Members of LBM are also inspired by how their music can inspire and help others.
“Many times, people let us know that either themselves, family members or friends have a serious illness and that our music has helped them deal with the situation. This is a very emotional to us” said Shabalala. “If our singing can bring peace to someone then there is nothing better.”
Don’t miss the wonderful, harmonious sounds of this world-renown South African choral group. They will be heard, and seen, at the Prospect Park Bandshell on June 28. For more information call: 718-683-5600. The concert is free, with a suggested donation of $3.
