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The Softly Walking Lion
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Dayton City Paper (also appears in CityFolk), The Softly Walking Lion >>
The resounding lyrical intonations, which, though we may not understand the language, reach us as they roll across the land, originating from under African skies. The history of this harmonious style of singing, called isicathamiya (a word with no literal translation, but loosely derived from the Zulu word meaning walking softly) stretches back before the turn of the Twentieth Century when men went into the cities to search of work. With the urbanization and dilution of the tribal traditions, this style of singing was all but lost to progress. A reawakening of the form took place in the twenties and thirties, culminating in a 1939 recording by a Zulu worker named Solomon Linda called Mbube. Although the recording became a hit in South African, Linda and his group, The Evening Birds were paid a single fee and no royalties. The song would eventually transform itself into The Lion Sleeps Tonight, garnering worldwide popularity and netting millions.
Joseph Shabalala created Ladysmith's first incarnation in 1960 with his cousins and brothers. Calling themselves Ezimnyama Ngenkani (The Black Ones), they performed at weddings and such until they began to enter the isicathamiya competitions. Although they were known throughout Shabalala's hometown of Ladysmith, few beyond the district had ever heard of them. In 1964, Joseph had a series of dreams where he saw choirs and heard delicate harmonies, which prompted him to reform the group and teach them his vision. They called themselves Ladysmith (for Shabalala's hometown), Black (representing the ox, the strongest farm animal) Mambazo (the Zulu word for axe, a symbol for the choir's ability to "chop down the competition"). They entered every isicathamiya competition, winning almost every one until 1973, when they were barred from competing for being too good.
In 1967, Ladysmith recorded their first album. Subsequent albums were recorded and released, most becoming golden testaments to their growing popularity. In 1985, Paul Simon traveled to South Africa to hear firsthand the tribal sounds he sought for his new album after listening to the Boyoyo Boys instrumental rendition of Gumboots. After meeting with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Simon utilized their harmonic vocalizations on the album, bringing much needed attention to the artists of South Africa.
Over the years, Ladysmith has enjoyed a well-regarded celebrity status and has endured the rigors of recording and performing their music. The journey has not been without it's share of tragedy, though. On December 10th, 1991, Joseph Shabalala's brother Headman was shot and killed by a white, off-duty security officer that had pulled him over for a "citizens arrest." Paul Simon was outraged and led the court proceedings against the officer, Sean Nichols. Joseph stopped singing for a period of time after this, but regained his voice through the strength of his Christian beliefs. Then in May of 2002, during the recording of Wenyukela, a masked man murdered Joseph's wife, Nellie, in a church parking lot and Joseph's hand was injured during the altercation as he tried to protect his wife. To date, the murder remains unsolved.
Once again, through the strength of his beliefs, Joseph dealt with the tragedy, moving forward through the music toward his vision. One of the things that comprise Joseph's vision is The Mambazo Foundation, which is trying to secure funds for creating The Mambazo Academy of South African Music and Culture. The goal of this school is to teach the children of South Africa their indigenous heritage and culture.
DCP: I believe that everything has an inherent tonal quality or essence to it. Do you feel that Ladysmith Black Mambazo creates a sympathetic tone, which resonates within the listener?
LBM: That is something we do put within the message of our music. Our music is meant to comfort, to heal, to make one feel better about their world. We do feel this is something that has affected people when they listen to our singing.
DCP: People find such a spiritual peace in Ladysmith's music. Do you believe that the imagery evoked by the group's vocalization carries the message regardless of language barriers?
LBM: It seems to be. It is amazing that people feel this essential message within our singing. Music has no barriers. It is like this with some music that has no lyrics. You can hear the message in the instrumentation. This is what it is with our singing when we sing in Zulu.
DCP: Do you think that the world would recognize an Ilembe (Zulu for the greatest warrior/leader), or would the petty obstacles spoken of on other tracks prevents his or her ascension?
LBM: There are many trying to help their own country and people. Sometimes it's hard for people to see the truth in others but it does happen.
DCP: Do you think that the documentary On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps to Freedom captured the essence of Ladysmith Black Mambazo?
LBM: We're very proud of this film. We hope other people feel it captured who we are.
DCP: Are there facets of the group or the music that are not widely known? Do the members have other special projects or various interests?
LBM: As individuals, we do have other interests, of course. However, most of our priorities are our families and people back home. We spend a lot of time in our church back in the township. This is where we meet with many people we don't see because of our traveling.
DCP: How are things working with The Mambazo Foundation?
LBM: Slower than we wish. However, we have raised some money to help people in the townships. We have hoped to find a larger corporation that would partner with us, but this hasn't happened yet. We continue to seek this partnership.
You can witness Ladysmith Black Mambazo perform at the Victoria Theatre, Tuesday, January 29, 2008 in support of their latest album Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu. 01/19/08
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