Ladysmith Black Mambazo bring their beat to Venue Cymru

Nov 12 2009

ALBERT Mazibuko didn’t realise when his cousin Joseph Shabalala asked him to join a group using a new approach to traditional African music they’d learnt in their hometown of Ladysmith that nearly a half century on, they’d still be singing together.

Along the way Ladysmith Black Mambazo have picked up three Grammys, seen albums go platinum, released ground-breaking LP Gracelands with Paul Simon, changed the way traditional music has been seen – and been hailed by Nelson Mandela, on his release from prison, as South Africa’s cultural ambassadors.

The Zulu group sings a cappella isicathamiya and mbube music – loud, powerful choruses contrasting with softer, almost whispering chants where voices blend harmoniously, combined with tightly choreographed dance moves that keep them on their toes.

Albert explained: "I am a tenor, and the music is in four parts – the lead is mezzo-soprano, then there’s alto, tenors then the bass. We all mix the music together.

"I didn’t train in music, but we grew up singing traditional music, there was no need for training."

The group now act as a mobile academy for South African culture, and Albert - dad to seven and grandad to five - enjoys going into schools to teach youngsters about the music of their homeland.

Later this month the nine- strong group, most of them related to each other, perform at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru on a UK tour.

I caught up with Albert in Liverpool, where he’d just returned from a walk along the waterfront before a gig.

"We’ve got such a big tour because people want to see us everywhere," he said. "I have been to Wales before but I couldn’t pronounce the place names - I gave up!"

He’s intrigued by Welsh male voice choirs and asks for advice on which CDs to buy to add to his wide-ranging collection of music. Not that he’ll be listening on an iPod.

"I tried earphones but they weren’t comfortable so I don’t bother," the 61-year-old confided.

Instead before gigs he relaxes by reading, or surfing the net, checking up emails and keeping in touch with family back in Durban via Facebook.

The city, on South Africa’s east coast, is tropical, hot and humid, and is around 200 miles from where the band grew up and took their name.

"I miss my family a lot because I love my kids, but when we try and take a break we’re invited back to perform," said Albert. "It is a blessing and I enjoy performing a lot.

"Gracelands was a highlight for us and it led to a big change, so much travel around the world. But my favorite place has to be on stage."

Ladysmith Black Mambazo,Venue Cymru, Llandudno, November 17, tickets from £21. Call 01492 872000 or log on to www.venuecymru.co.uk