Higher Spirits With Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Bruce Von Stiers
Quite a few folks never heard of Ladysmith Black Mambazo before the worked with Paul Simon on his Graceland album. But they have been around a long time. But they haven't recorded any new material in the last couple of years. But about a month ago the released a brand new album. This album is the first since their Live At Royal Albert Hall album in 1999. This new album is titled Raise Your Spirit Higher – Wenukela. It was released on the Heads Up International label.
This group is made up of singers from South Africa . It was founded in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala in the midst of constant political and economic upheaval in that country. There are 10 members of this singing group. They mix traditional South African music with elements of modern gospel music. Besides Paul Simon, the group has worked with artists such as Dolly Parton, George Clinton and even The Corrs.
The new album has 13 songs on it and was produced by Joseph Shabalala. It lasts a little over 50 minutes.
The first song is Wenyukela. It is about the resurrection of Jesus and the potential loss of life of South Africans during the elections there. The song also touches on the struggles of the group as they sought recognition as singers.
The second song is Uquinsil' Ubada. It tells bout discovering that God is the way and the light.
Only a couple of the songs are done in English. For those of us who don't speak the language of South African's the only way to know what the songs are truly about is to read the liner notes on the CD cover. Each song has a description. That was a god thing to have. I like the songs on the album but couldn't begin to understand anything that was being sung.
A lighter song on the album is Because I Love. This song is a tribute to the group's hometown, Mnambirth (Ladysmith).
The one English language song is Tribute. This song was written as a tribute to Joseph's wife. It was written by his grandsons. Joseph's wife Nellie was killed by masked gunmen outside their church in 2002. The song begins with a rap and is really touching.
For those who are into authentic African music, Raise Your Spirit Higher – Wenukela will be a welcome addition. This isn't really my kind of music, but it really did sound good. The vocals are strong and the tribute to Joseph's murdered wife is poignant.
To check out the band, and the album, further, visit www.mambazo.com . You might also want to check out the Heads Up web site at www.headsup.com .
© 2004 Bruce E Von Stiers