Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

South Africa

Birth

:

August 28, 1941 in Ladysmith, South Africa

Death

:

February 11, 2020 in Pretoria, South Africa

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Film

 

Joseph Shabalala was a South African musician and composer who is best known for his work as the founder and leader of the a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Born on August 28, 1941, in the town of Ladysmith in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, Shabalala grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. Shabalala's father was a farmer and a part-time musician, and he taught his children to sing traditional Zulu songs. Shabalala and his brothers formed a group called the Durban Choir, which performed at local events and competitions. In 1960, Shabalala's life took a tragic turn when his father was murdered by a member of a rival choir. Shabalala was devastated by the loss, but he continued to sing and compose music as a way of coping with his grief. In the early 1960s, Shabalala moved to the city of Durban, where he worked as a factory worker and continued to sing with his brothers. In 1964, he had a dream in which he heard a choir singing in perfect harmony. Inspired by the dream, Shabalala formed Ladysmith Black Mambazo with his brothers and several other singers from the area. Ladysmith Black Mambazo quickly gained a reputation for their unique blend of traditional Zulu music and modern influences. They became popular in South Africa and began to tour internationally in the 1970s. In 1986, they gained worldwide fame when they collaborated with Paul Simon on his album Graceland. The album won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo became known as one of the most important groups in world music. Shabalala was the primary composer for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and he wrote many of their most famous songs. His compositions often featured intricate harmonies and rhythms, and he drew inspiration from traditional Zulu music as well as gospel, jazz, and other genres. Some of his most famous compositions include "Nomathemba," "Hello My Baby," and "Homeless." In addition to his work with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Shabalala was also involved in other musical projects. He composed music for several films, including The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride and Cry, the Beloved Country. He also collaborated with other musicians, including Dolly Parton and Josh Groban. Throughout his career, Shabalala was recognized for his contributions to music and culture. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Ikhamanga from the South African government and the National Heritage Fellowship from the United States government. He was also inducted into the South African Music Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Shabalala continued to perform and compose music until his death on February 11, 2020, at the age of 78. His legacy lives on through his music and the many musicians he inspired. Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues to perform and record, and they remain one of the most beloved and influential groups in world music.

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