Funding for Ladysmith Black Mambazo used to spread the word of Isicathamiya

The Department of Arts & Culture, at national level, is currently providing Ladysmith Black Mambazo with R12 million a year for three years to promote Isicathamiya music (an ‘a cappella’ singing style that originated among Zulus in South Africa) and empower musicians throughout the country.

Speaking to Sibongiseni Shabalala from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, he says they are helping many young musicians countrywide. With this funding (which adds up to R36 million), the members of the Grammy Award winning group say they have already made significant inroads in the music industry in South Africa; they travel and workshop aspiring musicians, empowering them with knowledge of music.

In Msinga and Pietermaritzburg, they have workshopped musicians and even found talented singers they have promoted with the help of the funding. In the Eastern Cape, at the University of Fort Hare, the students recorded a song with them. What better way to be promoted as a musician just starting to spread your wings!

Also read: Ladysmith Black Mambazo host first annual Cothoza Music Awards

Also read: Watch: the moment Ladysmith Black Mambazo won their 5th Grammy

In addition, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have also collaborated with up-and-coming musical artists in Johannesburg and helped guide them with their teaching of Isicathamiya. In Mpumalanga, they found a group of children who are passionate about music and recorded with them as well.

With the help of their funding, they also hosted a Music Masterclass and the Cothoza Awards, as well as a music festival at Inanda Dam earlier this year. Groups and musicians taken under their wing are allowed to perform at the festival, giving musicians a chance to perform on a large stage in the country.

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