Black Mambazo celebrates 65 years with a moving tribute to Nelson Mandela

The Opera Theatre in Pretoria erupted in wild celebration this weekend as Ladysmith Black Mambazo delivered a performance that felt both historic and startlingly new. For a group turning 65 years old, the energy on stage was nothing short of astonishing.

Nine men stepped onto the stage wearing their classic ensemble — black trousers, crisp white shoes, and red African shirts printed with vibrant Zulu colours, each paired with matching red socks. Their entrance alone, scattered from different points of the theatre, drew cheers of anticipation from an already buzzing crowd.

What unfolded next was a masterclass in heritage performance.

For decades, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has carried the sound of South Africa across the world. And yet, this weekend’s performance proved that their rhythm, discipline, and stagecraft remain as fresh as when Joseph “Mshengu” Shabalala first formed the group in 1960. The transitions were immaculate, the tempo shifts thrilling, the leaps and isicathamiya footwork executed with seasoned grace. Their movement vocabulary — grounded, expressive, mature — told as much of a story as their voices.

A deeply emotional moment arrived when Sibongiseni Shabalala opened with a tribute to his father, the legendary founder. Later, the group introduced Thamsanqa Shabalala, the youngest son of the Shabalala family, marking yet another generational layer. The ensemble now includes four of Dr Shabalala’s sons — each one honouring the legacy while expanding the sound for modern audiences.

Their harmony remains unmistakable: warm, spiritual, and richly textured. Between songs, they recited prayers and short poetic reflections, drawing the room into intimate communion.

Tribute to Mandela

After the interval, a costume change preceded a heartfelt dedication to Nelson Mandela. Their song referencing South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winners — “a long way, a long walk to freedom” — left many in the audience visibly moved. Older member Thula led an emotional plea that had the auditorium in complete silence before erupting in applause.

It was the audience participation that ultimately defined the night. People sang, clapped, ululated, and at times drowned out the microphones. When “Lelilungelo Ngelakho” began, the entire theatre rose to its feet as though driven by instinct. And when the iconic “Homeless” closed the evening, the crowd refused to go home — continuing the song outside the venue, turning the foyer into an impromptu celebration.

The group announced that a new album, recorded this year, will be released before the end of 2025. They also performed a piece inspired by miners — a tribute originally proposed by the mine workers themselves and later shaped by Dr Shabalala to honour labourers worldwide.

Even after six decades of global touring, Grammy wins, international collaborations, and cultural ambassadorship, Ladysmith Black Mambazo remains one thing above all: authentically South African, profoundly Zulu, and universally resonant.

As they prepare to celebrate their 65-year milestone, the legacy lives on — in the voices of sons who carry their father’s vision, in the footsteps of isicathamiya, and in every audience member who stands, sings, and screams for more.