Ladysmith Black Mambazo's latest album, Always With Us, is out now.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo: South Africa's Ambassadors Offer A Stirring Musical Tribute

Soundcheck | Feb 25, 2014

While perhaps best known for its work with Paul Simon on Graceland, the renowned South African a capella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has had the kind of prestigious and lengthy career spanning over 50 years any artist would envy. Once described as South Africa's "Cultural Ambassadors" by the late Nelson Mandela, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble exemplifies an unmatched musical spirit, with songs that inspire and enliven crowds all around the world.

The group now returns with its latest album, Always With Us, which honors Nellie Shabalala -- the late wife of Black Mambazo founder and leader Joseph Shabalala -- with a song cycle of music featuring their voices alongside her vocals recorded before her death in 2002. It's also the first record in its over-40-year history to showcase female Zula vocalists on traditional songs. The result is a beautiful tribute and another fine collection from the always stirring artists.

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