The Isicathamiya (African folk music) group from Ladysmith won their first Grammy in 1987 for their album Shaka Zulu. Their illustrious career spanning over 30 years has earned them nine nominations for the Grammy's, and has also seen them sell over six millions records internationally.

They've collaborated with international stars, such as Dolly Parton and Paul Simon. Who can forget the smash hit “Diamonds on the soles of her feet” done with Simon.

Despite these huge achievements Ladysmith Black Mambazo has never got the recognition that they truly deserve. On Monday morning I expected to see street poles adorned with headlines of this group's prestigious award, but not much was mentioned about them in the media.

However, I do admit that they did get the standard coverage in the news on television and in some papers (somewhere in the middle of the paper). But, don't they deserve more than just standard media coverage?

What's disappointing is that they're not getting the same royal treatment, which Charlize Theron received after winning her Oscar last year. A child of six years could have told you that Theron had won an Oscar, but I was disappointed to discover that some adults I asked weren't even aware that Ladysmith's Black Mambazo had even been nominated for a Grammy.

After Theron had won an Oscar you could not watch television without hearing her name on game shows, local soap opera's, talk shows even gospel shows. She was interviewed left, right and center. Morning Live even dedicated a whole show that uncovered her background, which included going to her old school etc.

President Thabo Mbeki made a speech congratulating Theron and welcomed her to South Africa with a red carpet and parties galore. Since Ladysmith's Black Mambazo will only arrive in South Africa in April because they currently on tour. I doubt Mbeki will roll out his red carpet when they come back, never mind have a presidential banquet.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying Theron did'nt deserve to get such treatment. What I fail to understand is why doesn't Ladysmith's Black Mambazo get the same treatment? I can't use race as an excuse now can I. I mean after all we are 11 years into democracy (yeah right).

To be quite honest though, the real problems lay with us South Africans. We don't appreciate our local talent. It seems that the Americans appreciate our talent more. They love Ladysmith's traditional sounds of Africa , whilst we prefer the Usher's and Beyonce's of abroad. Theron even had to go live overseas in order to succeed.

What must Joseph Shabalala and his group do for us to appreciate them? Aren't two Grammies enough? Does he have to die first before we give him the recognition he deserves for creating such a talented music group?

I challenge all South Africans, Black and White, to listen to at least one song of Ladysmith's Black Mambazo. Forget the language barrier, listen to their harmonious Capella sounds, and believe me, you too will be proud to be South African.

-Nomfundo Mcetywa