Joseph Shabalala, born Bhekizizwe Joseph Siphatimandla Mxoveni Mshengu Bigboy Shabalala in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, is the founder and musical director of the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Shabalala’s musical career began with his move from Ladysmith to Durban. After a short stint with the Durban Choir, he joined an isicathamiya group, ‘The Highlanders’, led … Read more
UJoseph Shabalala, owazalwa nguBhekizizwe Joseph Siphatamandla Mxoveni Mshengu Bigboy Shabalala eMnambithi, KwaZulu-Natali, ungumsunguli nomqondisi womculo weqembu i-Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Umsebenzi womculo kaShabalala uqale ngokusuka kwakhe eMnambithi waya eThekwini. Ngemuva kokuhlala isikhashana ne-Durban Choir wajoyina iqembu lesicathamiya ,i- ‘The Highlanders’, eyayiholwa iqhawe uGaliyane Hlatshwayo. Hlatshwayo owayesebenza njengomeluleki, ekhuthaza uShabalala ukuthi asebenzise izwi lakhe ngamandla. Lesi sikhuthazo … Read more
Earlier this week we wrote about isicathamiya, and how the style of music has evolved over the past century, but we were remiss in not mentioning Joseph Shabalala and the now famous Ladysmith Black Mambazo! Shabalala was instrumental in the resurgence in popularity of isicathamiya, after his band achieved worldwide success through their collaboration with Paul Simon on his Graceland … Read more