Ladysmith Black Mambazo to perform Sunday at DePauw

Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Courtesy photo A week of wall-to-wall music culminates in an opportunity to hear four-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo live at the Green Center on Sunday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m., the internationally beloved singing sensation Ladysmith Black Mambazo will fill DePauw University’s Kresge Auditorium with a glorious, spirit-lifting celebration of sound when it brings its joyous music to the Green Center stage — spreading its message of peace, love and harmony, along with a promise to carry forward founder Joseph Shabalala’s dream to “keep South Africa alive in people’s hearts” for years to come.

You may remember hearing Ladysmith for the first time while singing along on Paul Simon’s seminal 1986 “Graceland” album or watching them over and over on Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalker” video. Fast forward four Grammy Awards later, the irrepressible nine-member a cappella ensemble is now in its second generation with Thamsanqa “Tommy” Shabalala, the founder’s youngest son, as its lead singer.

“It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention,” Simon says, “but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.”

Among Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s more than 50 albums are recordings with numerous artists from around the world, which include — in addition to repeat invitations to work with Simon — Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris and Melissa Etheridge.

On the March 5 program at DePauw will be a mix of Zulu melodies, along with popular songs for which the group is known, as well as new music from its latest CD, “Walking in the Footsteps of Our Fathers,” nominated for the 2017 Grammy for Best World Music Album (a category coincidentally won by previous DePauw guest artists Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble). This most recent recognition marks the South African group’s 17th Grammy Award nomination.

General admission to hear Ladysmith live at the DePauw Green Center is $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Tickets are free to seniors, youth and all students thanks to season sponsors Judson and Joyce Green.

Advance tickets may be obtained online at www.music.depauw.edu or in person at the venue box office, Monday–Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and one hour prior to every performance. To ensure that every person wanting to hear the concert is able to do so, a pay-what-you-can option is also available.

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