Joseph Shabalala

(1940-) Singer, musician, composer and performer. Born in the Ladysmith district in Natal, he brought together and became the leader and founder of the ten-man vocal group originally called Ezimnyama ("The Black Ones"), and became known for their 1970s hit record Amabutho. Later changed the name to Ladysmith Black Mambazo and worked with Paul Simon on his Graceland tour and record, which made them world famous. The musical style they developed, permeated the popular performance in the 1990s and later, also stage plays and musicals.

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