Music from South Africa will have your toes tapping at Kean University:
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
WHEN: February 27 at 3:00 PM
WHERE: Enlow Hall, Kean University east campus, 215 North Avenue, Hillside. For further information, visit the university website at www.kean.edu
TICKETS: $40
Having won multiple Grammy awards, with the power of gospel and the precision of Broadway, the members of the ensemble are the undisputed kings of mbube, South African a Cappella singing. The group first rose to fame through their landmark collaboration with Paul Simon on his Graceland album and has performed with artists as diverse as Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
Assembled in the early 1960s in Durban, South Africa by Joseph Shabalala (who continues to lead the group), their mission is clear: “To bring this gospel of loving one another all over the world,” said Shabalala. However, he’s quick to point out that the message is not specific to any one religious orientation. “Without hearing the lyrics, this music gets into the blood, because it comes from the blood,” he continued. “It evokes enthusiasm and excitement, regardless of what you follow spiritually.”
In addition to their work with Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded with numerous artists from around the world. Their film work includes an appearance in Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker video and Spike Lee’s Do It A Cappella. They provided soundtrack material for Disney’s The Lion King, Part II as well as Eddie Murphy’s Coming To America, Clint Eastwood's Invictus, Marlon Brando’s A Dry White Season, Sean Connery’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and James Earl Jones’ Cry The Beloved Country.
Their performance with Simon on Sesame Street is legendary and is one of the top three requested Sesame Street segments in history.
