LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO in concert at Kingsbury Hall on March 23, 8 p.m.; one performance only.When Ladysmith Black Mambazo took the Kingsbury Hall stage last night, it became an evening of life celebrating sounds.
The 10-man a cappella singing group from South Africa not only entertained but entranced and charmed the audience.
Led by Joseph Shabalala Ladysmith reached into the souls of its singers and touched the souls of the listeners.
The group -- comprised of Shabalala, Msizi Shabalala, Russel Mthembu, Albert Mazibuko, Thabulani Dubazana, Thulani Shabalala, Thamsanqa Shabalala, Sibongiseni Shabalala, Jockey Shabalala and Abednego Mazibuko (yes, the two Mazibukos are related, as are all the Shabalalas) -- sang about nature, life and unity.
In addition to the wondrous and earthy harmonies, the group sang in English and Zulu -- which incorporated tongue clicks as part of the consonants.
The effect was relaxing and magical. And when Ladysmith's members added touches of synchronized hand movements, the messages became clear.
One such tune was called "Kangivumanga," which can be translated to "I Disagree."
"This is a song of the different generations and their disagreements," one of the Shabalalas said as he introduced the song.
The singing took on an almost ethereal feel as the group repetitively chanted phrases. During those periods, the songs became mantras.
Joseph Shabalala used hand gestures and vocal intonations to cue up the others for some nimble-footed dancing.
Each of the singers was able to display personality through solo and group variations. High kicks, hip swiveling and other stances that were visually martial artistic brought new dimension to the works.
The syncopated choreography, which reached energetic and aerobic levels, didn't once interfere with the group's sense of timing. And when the dancing began, the audience members sat at the edge of their seats anticipating the moves that would come next.
And there was a lot of humor throughout the concert. Facial expressions, quick wits and straight deadpans were all a part of the show.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo -- the name is symbolic for a hard-working ax from Ladysmith -- then ended with its most famous work, "Homeless."