Black African band set example

Press, 30 December 1988, Page 23

Black African band set example

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO “Journey Of Dreams” (Warner Bros, 25753-1).

VARIOUS ARTISTS “The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto” (Shanachie/ Serengeti Records, TC—RRS—O2I).

Ladysmith Black Mambazo received particularly harsh criticism for working with Paul Simon on his 1986 album, “Graceland.” Like Johnny Clegg, of Savuka, the black African a capella band appeared to be in a no-win situation. Nevertheless, it’s a tribute to the group, and their leader, Joseph Shabalala, that they are prepared to stand up, particularly in their music. "Amaphiko Okundiza” is a direct tribute to Paul Simon, the English translation being “Wings To Fly.” Shabalala’s composition suggests it was Simon who opened the doors for Mambazo, and gave them wings to fly.

One criticism of Mambazo, and it may relate to the controversy about the Simon collaboration, is that the band has not been directly political. The band have preferred to remain musicians and set examples through the quality of their singing. It is surprising to find “Hamba Dompasi” on the latest album, which hails the end to South Africa’s passbook laws for blacks. Another song, “Bavimb ’indlela,” is a tribute to

Hugh Masakela, Miriam Makeba, and Duma Ndlovu, for showing what can be achieved through music. Songs such as “Umusa Kankulukulu” show off the a capella merits of the band best, outshinging even the traditional “Amazing Grace,” arranged by Simon. “Journey Of Dreams” is a tribute to the character and example of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Hardly reggae, but brought out by Jayrem Records under its reggae rhythm series, “The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto” has a marvellous sound. It is not particularly political, the strongest point, surprisingly, coming from Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s “Nansi Ismali,” which is a tribute to the miners and the dangers they face. Almost all the songs deal with social issues, mainly about marriage. The most interesting and beautiful is “Holotelani” by Nelcy Sedibe, about a daughter-in-law and her duties. What comes across in the songs, which feature the mbaqanga sound of 198184, is a sense of joy, of living in the music. Even an instrumental, “Sobobambo,” by Udokotela Shange Namajaha, which sounds like a saw cutting through wood, has a quality of joy about it. The cassette is worth getting hold of. j —NEVIN TOPP I