# Ladysmith Black Mambazo (S. African Music) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 15, 2003, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946 "2003-06-15T02:09:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rhum\_Runner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rhum\_Runner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhum_Runner)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/1 "2003-06-15T02:09:43Z")
So, I picked up a copy of Paul Simon’s Graceland album today, on vinyl no less, and I remembered how much I liked the a capella singing of the South African bands that are featured on this album. So, where should I start with Ladysmith? Amazon lists \>40 titles. Anyone have a favorite? Any other S. African groups that you are fond of? ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/2 "2003-06-15T04:52:28Z")
I can’t recommend an album, but I can certainly recommend seeing them live. There’s a dignity to their performing that can’t be captured just by the sound alone. ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/3 "2003-06-15T05:17:10Z")
I have the Shanachie “Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.” It is a good selection of their mbube style – the whole album is a capella, no instruments, no distractions. The first track is Izithembiso Zenkosi, then Kubi Ukungalaleli, then Uphi Umhlobo, then Yimani. I’m not sure if it is still in print: I saw another Shanachie volume a couple of months ago and I am not sure if it is a volume two or just a new version. MHO: Avoid anything with too many English titles. I like those songs far, far, less than their Zulu stuff. My favorite song is Uphi Umhlobo. Truly beautiful. ---
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/4 "2003-06-15T05:31:26Z")
Spike Lee had a special in the early 90s called Spike Lee’s Do It A Capella which featured – hmmm, THREE performances by Ladysmith, if memory serves. One of the performances is the duet with another a capella group, the Mint Juleps, which they sing ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’… a true favorite. I’m not sure whether or not this show exists in VHS or DVD format but be sure to look for it. ---
**Author:** ![sugaree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@sugaree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sugaree)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/5 "2003-06-15T13:14:36Z")
“Spike Lee’s Do It A Capella” definately exists in VHS format- I bought a copy at a thrift store. Some great performances. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/6 "2003-06-15T13:33:53Z")
I’ve seen Ladysmith live twice (once on the Graceland tour, and because of that I went to see them on their own). They’re fantastic, and as an introduction to the style, I reckon a best of album would be idead. Also recommend the Bhundu Boys (more guitar-based) and Hugh Masakela. ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/7 "2003-06-15T15:26:51Z")
If you are looking for more great South African music, I would recommend Mahlatini and the Mahotella Queens. The song “Thokozile” is happy music. It is South African pop, a style called kwela. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/8 "2003-06-15T15:53:17Z")
My favorite LBM CDs are _Shaka Zulu_ and _Heavenly._ But you can start anywhere in their collection and not be disappointed, I think. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2003, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/9 "2003-06-15T22:09:00Z")
(I love the internet. I remember seeing the Spike Lee show [though I didn’t realize till now it was done by Spike Lee] and looking for an album by the Mint Juleps for months afterward; it turns out their only album came out 4 years later, per AMG. Zap over to Amazon, order a copy, and here I am, back again. Kids, let me tell you, technology is our friend./highjack) ---
**Author:** ![donkeyoatey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47c2d/32.png) [@donkeyoatey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/donkeyoatey)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2003, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladysmith-black-mambazo-s-african-music/181946/10 "2003-06-16T01:51:16Z")
Johnny Clegg and Savuka put out some excellent albums as well.