Cycle A: World Music Traditions: South African Vocal

Year 3

❤️ Cycle A ❤️

Genre: World Music Traditions

Style: South African Vocals

Composers:

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

They are a male vocal group from Ladysmith City in South Africa. They became known internationally after singing on Paul Simon’s 1986 album ‘Graceland’ and have won multiple awards including five Grammy awards dedicating their fifth Grammy to former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. They sing without instruments and use actions to keep a steady beat. They use call and response in their songs.

Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid activist, politician and statesman who served as the first President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the countries first black head of state and the first elected in a fully represented democratic election.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – ‘Nomathemba’
What is the instrument being used here? How do the band keep a steady beat with no conductor? How is call and response used? Describe their costumes.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Full Performance (Live on KEXP)
Songs:
Nomathemba
Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain
Homeless
Thalaza

‘Freedom is Coming’ Traditional South African Song

Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo – “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” LIVE (2007)
In 2007, Paul Simon won the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in Washington, D.C, USA. Here he performs “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes”.

Labi Siffre – ‘Something Inside So Strong’ (1987)
A song written in response to Apartheid in South Africa

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – ‘Inkanyezi Nezazi’ (1992)
Written in 1992 but became famous after featuring on a Heinz Beans advert. It got to number 2 in the UK charts in 1997.

Lesson Resources:

BBC Newsround Report: Nelson Mandela: 30 year anniversary of prison release

https://www.classroom200.org/lesson-plans/92