In this week’s episode of Inside Africa on Friday, July 5 2019,
CNN meets South Africa’s revered Isicathamiya group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
It was 30 years ago when a unique sound
characterised by vibrant voices and moving rhythms was born. Brought to light
in South Africa’s mines as a form of entertainment – the unique sound of
Isicathamiya soon filled halls and has today attracted audiences around the
globe.
This genre traces its roots back to the
rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, and it is no mystery that one of the best groups
of isicathamiya hails from the rural outskirts of the province.
Joseph Shabalala, founder of the group,
says the idea to form a group was brought to him in a dream and the notion “dreams
do come true” couldn’t be more fitting. In 1973, the group released their first
album and to this day; they travel around the world and have collected befitting
accolades. The sound is an integral part of the Zulu culture and the group has
planted a seed of hope to upcoming musical stars in KZN townships and across
South Africa.
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