South Africa: Nation Rallies Behind Ladysmith Black Mambazo for Grammy Award
BuaNews (Tshwane)
February 6, 2007
Posted to the web February 6, 2007
Bathandwa Mbola
South Africa's traditional (Isicathamiya) Zulu group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been nominated for Grammy Awards again for the best surround sound album category and support for a win is gathering.
The Grammy Awards ceremony will be presented on Sunday in Los Angeles, California, in the United States.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHCSA) Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa, said the organisation supported the musical group's initiative and spirit of maintaining South Africa's traditional music.
He believes Ladysmith Black Mambazo will emerge the winners in that category of the awards.
"This is living evidence that indicates the significance of preserving indigenous music. The council and the entire country recognise Ladysmith Black Mambazo's achievements," said Advocate Mancotywa
"The group's work will inspire many young artists to join in an effort to preserve South Africa's heritage through their art," added Advocate Mancotywa.
He will accompany the group, led by Joseph Shabalala, to the glittering event.
Mr Shabalala, a founding-member of the National Heritage Council for South African Traditional Music Awards, formed Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the 1960s.
The 10-member group has been nominated for the Grammy Awards 10 times, and has won twice. They won their first Grammy in 1987 for the album "Shaka Zulu" in 2004 for the album "Raise Your Spirit Higher."
In a career spanning 40 years Ladysmith Black Mambazo had entertained audiences across the world. They have recorded over 40 albums, of which 6 million copies have been sold worldwide.
They have performed for the likes of former South African President Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II of England.
The group has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, The Wynans, George Clinton and Ben Harper.
Their most recent collaboration is with classical and pop music star Josh Groban, on his latest album, Awake.
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