Let Ladysmith lift your spirits (From The Oxford Times)

Let Ladysmith lift your spirits

10:14am Friday 16th October 2009 in Arts

Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been at the forefront of the ‘world music’ explosion since Paul Simon recruited them to sing on his Graceland album way back in 1986. Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, the multi-award-winning group now features four of his sons in the line up. The group sings a cappella isicathamiya and mbube music – loud, powerful choruses contrast with softer, almost whispering chants where voices blend harmoniously, combined with tightly-choreographed dance moves that keep the singers on their toes. Ladysmith employed their music to celebrate the end of the apartheid era and, following his release from prison, Nelson Mandela described them as “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors”. Ladysmith bring their haunting songs and infectious ryhthms to Oxford’s New Theatre on Thursday, October 22.

They are supported by Netsayi, a Zimbabwean singer-songwriter and one of the UK's most original talents with a live reputation to match. Her new album Chosen Ones, released this summer, mixes her Zimbabwean roots with pop and folk.