Music legends uplift talented artists in South Africa
For nearly 60 years, this world-renowned isicathamiya group have made a mark on global stages and they recently showcased their talent in their province at the Inanda Dam World Music Festival
Five-time Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo staged the first annual Inanda Dam World Music Festival last Sunday at the Inanda Dam Resort in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo celebrated its success and well-travelled journey in the entertainment industry through this great music affair,” said member of the legendary group Sibongiseni Shabalala.
For nearly 60 years, this world-renowned isicathamiya group have made a mark on global stages and they recently showcased their talent in their province at the Inanda Dam World Music Festival.
The headliners of the festival were Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lira and Oliver Mtukudzi. Also part of the line-up were Joe Nina, Steve Kekana, The Muffinz, Thee Legacy, Mbuso Khoza and Shabalala Rhythm.
The annual event aims to feature Africa’s greatest icons every year. This event was inspired at a time when Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in the music industry in 2020. The years 2018 and 2019 will be a build-up to a much bigger celebration of the 60th anniversary of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
“This event was also a platform to showcase indigenous music talent discovered through its music development and talent search called The Ladysmith Black Mambazo Mobile Academy,” explained the group’s longest-standing member Albert Mazibuko.
The programme started this year, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo is moving around the country discovering and developing the talent of aspiring artists.
Those who are discovered through this process receive mentorship and music skills development in different aspects of the music business.
Some of the discovered talent shared the stage with five-time Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
This family-friendly festival kicked off the festive season in style and attracted people from all walks of life and from all over South Africa and the world. “This was a great music event where African culture and heritage was celebrated,” enthused Shabalala.
The festival was MC’d by Siphiwe Majozi of Uzalo fame and Ukhozi FM’s Selby (Selbyonce) Mkhize.
The Cothoza Hour featured Africa Mamas, Junior Mambazo, Zulu Messengers and Mzamo Young Boys.
“President Nelson Mandela said Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music is a mobile academy of South African music and culture,” added Mazibuko, who said Ladysmith Black Mambazo used the event as a way of paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, as we are celebrating his centenary this year.
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