Mambazo gets a thumbs up from Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa said the group is very special to the country as they represent it in other countries.

June 6, 2018

Thato Mahlangu 1 minute read

The iconic scathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing at the SA State Theatre. Photo: Supplied

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Ladysmith Black Mambazo for the role the group has played in promoting South African culture abroad.

The Grammy award-winning group performed some of their favourite songs in honour of former president Nelson Mandela and the group’s founder Dr Joseph Tshabalala during a concert at the state theatre on Sunday.

The iscathamiya group has been singing and touring countries for almost six decades.

Watch the video here:

Hallo my babe, hallo my sweetie, hallo my chocolate 🍫 ladysmith black mambazo #statetheatre pic.twitter.com/qAK8atN75b

— mpho morolane (@MphoMorolane) June 1, 2018

“The group will be 60 years old in two years time,” Ramaphosa said. “We are proud to have such a stable group whose music speaks to millions of people worldwide.”

Lucky enough to be at Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s performance at the State theatre in Pretoria. Fabulous show! pic.twitter.com/xHbwhXUEuO

— Wilson Johwa (@WilsonJohwa) June 2, 2018

“We are proud to have them as a country. Their fifth Grammy award win really does represent us as a country. It puts on the map with other music giants,” he said.

“You are the most outstanding ambassadors of our country; you are our most valuable export.”

The group performed some of their songs in celebrating Madiba’s life.

Watch the video here:

ANC President Cde @CyrilRamaphosa welcoming Ladysmith Black Mambazo back home as they bring back their fifth Grammy Award at a special tribute concert in celebration of the centenary of Tata Nelson Mandela #Mandela100 #ThumaMina pic.twitter.com/zIW5e6xFdK

— African National Congress (@MYANC) June 3, 2018

They had performed in 1994 when Madiba was bestowed the Nobel Peace Prize together with former president FW de Klerk.

Congrats to Ladysmith Black Mambazo who just won the GRAMMY® for Best World Music Album! Don't miss these legends, who've recorded with superstars like Paul Simon, in New Bedford on March 11: https://t.co/tGCBQ3qAol pic.twitter.com/BYas12DGb5

— Zeiterion Theatre (@Zeiterion) March 6, 2018

A great night with Sibongiseni Mshengu Shabalala & the Ladysmith Black Mambazo 🎶🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/XmVpb1OWZJ

— Tee-Eye 👓 (@tshepoi) June 2, 2018

“They will continue to fly the South African and Durban flags high when they travel to the UK to perform at the Queen’s birthday ceremony in London this month,” said publicist Maria McCloy.

This is the house for Ladysmith Black Mambazo tonight. pic.twitter.com/HYSk15BIuh

— SA State Theatre (@SAST_PR) June 1, 2018

She said the group was regarded as a mobile academy of South African cultural heritage through their indigenous isicathamiya music.

“Most importantly, they salute and dedicate this award to founder Joseph Shabalala who led this group from the dusty streets of Ladysmith to global prominence,” McCloy said.