Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo bridge racial and cultural boundaries. The all-male choir performed for Nelson Mandela and the queen of England, and recorded with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Dolly Parton. Named for their late founder Joseph Shabalala's hometown of Ladysmith, the group of mostly brothers and other relatives became hugely popular in South Africa in the early 1970s with white and black audiences during apartheid. In the mid-1980s, Paul Simon famously visited South Africa and incorporated the group's rich harmonies into his renowned Graceland album – a landmark recording considered seminal in introducing World Music to mainstream audiences. Shabalala co-wrote two of its most popular songs, "Homeless" and "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes." This brought the group to the attention of music lovers all over the world, the beginning of a global musical career that shows no sign of ending. With their colorful outfits and spirited, often playful choreography, Ladysmith's concerts are known for their infectious joy.