By Alex Mudge

Email interview with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

How does Ladysmith Black Mambazo keep going after nearly fifty years?
LBM- This is what we do…spread our message and our culture. It’s a dream for us that people continue to want to hear our songs and stories.

Please explain the various forms and influences of traditional Zulu music on Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
LBM- The basis of our style is tradition. Isicathamiya style dates back to the 1950’s. It came from the men who traveled away from their families and entertained themselves with various styles from around the country. Since then we also have had a gospel influence.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo are international icons, and some have called them the cultural ambassadors of South Africa. What role do you think your music has played in shaping events in South Africa and the world-at-large?
LBM- We wouldn’t say our music shaped events. The role we wanted to play was to lift people’s spirits in the bad times. To remind people of the beauty of our culture and country. Perhaps that is something one can say about what we did at home….help lift the spirit of the people when times were terrible.

What were some high points for the group?
LBM- Of course our time with Paul Simon was so important and special. He opened the gates to the world for us and allowed us to find dreams that we never could have imagined. Since then we’ve had other amazing moments….joining Nelson Mandela on his trip to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize….meeting the Queen of England…those are two other important times for us. Winning the Grammy Award twice, as well.

What were some low points for the group?
LBM- Recently we lost one of our original members…Jockey Shabalala. Jockey was such a good soul, a happy person. But it was his time to pass and we know he had a wonderful life and appreciated everything that he had experienced.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is much more than just a singing group. What would be some important achievements for the group outside of music?
LBM- So much of what we do is tied to our music so it’s hard to split that apart. We’ve worked hard to help people at home. People who live in the townships and have a very hard life. We work to raise money for them and we perform as much as possible there. We try very hard to help others back home.

Please tell me about your latest album llembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu.
LBM- We’re so proud of this cd. It’s been a few years since we did an all traditional recording and our fans have wanted one. We made this CD to honor our culture, our country and our people. We want to remind people at home that they should be proud of their culture and history.

What do you think the legacy of Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be?
LBM- We hope it’s that we helped keep the spirit of our culture and country alive. We always want to spread a message of hope and raising ones spirit.