Inspiring story
told through high energy festival of colour, dance, humour and music. (Review
by Keith Millar)
Once upon a time
there was a young farm boy who lived with his impoverished family in rural
KwaZulu-Natal. His love for music lead to him forming a family a cappella vocal
group to sing the traditional music of his people.
In order to support
his family, and to win the hand of the woman he loves, he is eventually forced
to move to the big city to seek employment as a factory worker.
The young man has a
series of dreams during which he hears wonderful harmonies. He teaches these to
his singing group and they immediately become favourites amongst all who hear
them. After winning every singing competition they enter, the group does a
radio broadcast which leads to a recording contract. In time, they become one
of the most popular and beloved groups in the country.
They are invited by
an international singing star to collaborate on an album. The album is a smash
hit and the group become an international sensation. Over the following years,
they record with a variety of international stars. They provide the music for several
blockbuster movies and perform for Presidents and Royalty. They also win many
awards including four prestigious Grammies.
After 54 years in
the industry they are still going strong and are revered at home and abroad.
Sound like a fairy
tale? Well it isn’t. It is the story of Joseph Shabalala and his remarkable isicathamiya
group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
It is also the
subject of the exciting production, Amambazo
the Musical, which is currently on in the Playhouse Drama in Durban.
In a high energy
festival of colour, dance, humour and music, the inspiring story of Shabalala
and his Ladysmith Black Mambazo is re-enacted by a very talented cast of over
30 performers which includes a six piece live band. Many of Ladysmith Black
Mamabazo’s most popular songs are heard in the show. They are beautifully sung
with all the intricate rhythms and harmonies one has come to expect from the
group’s music. However the show is not all about isicathamiya music and there
are also rousing ensemble versions of songs such Paradise Road, Peace Train
and Heal the World.
The cherry on top
in this production is the appearance of Ladysmith Black Mambazo themselves to
perform several of their songs. This in itself was worth the price of the
ticket.
But then there was
the absolute pièce de résistance. This
was the unexpected appearance on stage of the legend himself, Professor Joseph
Shabalala. This had the audience – including this reviewer – on their feet,
cheering and applauding. It was a magical moment as he joined his group in
singing Homeless and Diamonds in the Souls of Her Shoes. I am
not sure if this appearance is a regular event or just something special for
the opening night, but it is certainly something that will long live in the
memory.
The music of
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is beautiful, inspirational and moving. This show is a
fitting tribute to the group and the wonderful music they created. Joseph
Shabalala’s stated that his aim was to use his music to unite the nation and to
promote peace love and harmony. Amambazo
the Musical, in its own way, perpetuates this message.
Amambazo the Musical is running in the Playhouse Drama until
September 14. Tickets R120 available through Computicket or the Playhouse Box
Office on 031 369 9540. Evening performances from Tuesday to Saturday at 20h00
with a matinee on Saturday at 14h00 and on Sunday at 15h00. School performances
at R30 per pupil will be held at 10h00 from Monday to Friday. – Keith Millar
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