Ladysmith Black Mambazo – The Best Of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (The Star And The Wiseman)

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – The Best Of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (The Star And The Wiseman)

The Best Of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (The Star And The Wiseman) is a 20-track collection showcasing the distinctive South African vocal harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The group, founded and led by Joseph Shabalala, became internationally recognised for its powerful yet beautifully controlled a cappella singing, rooted in the South African isicathamiya tradition. The version represented by this tracklist was issued in the late 1990s, with the 1998 edition appearing on Gallo and Universal/UMTV.

The collection brings together material from across the group's earlier catalogue as well as recordings connected with their international breakthrough. "Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star & The Wiseman)" is particularly significant: originally recorded in 1992, it later became strongly associated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the UK after being used in Heinz television advertising in 1997. The song subsequently reached the UK Singles Chart, helping introduce a new generation of British listeners to the group's distinctive vocal sound.

Another major highlight is "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes", featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo alongside Paul Simon. Their collaboration dates back to Simon's Graceland project, while "Homeless" also connects the group with Simon's international work. The collection additionally includes interpretations of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" and "Chain Gang", demonstrating how the group's rich Zulu vocal tradition could be applied to familiar international songs while retaining its distinctive identity.

The later material gives the compilation a particularly interesting 1990s perspective. "Liph' Iqiniso" carries a 1993 Gallo recording copyright, while "World In Union 95" was recorded for the 1995 Rugby World Cup campaign with South African singer P.J. Powers. The latter is based on the melody of the "Jupiter" movement from Gustav Holst's The Planets, giving the collection an unusual link between South African choral music and British classical music.

With recordings spanning approximately 1992–1995 alongside earlier catalogue material, this collection provides a broad introduction to Ladysmith Black Mambazo's warm harmonies, intricate vocal arrangements and South African musical heritage. It is an appealing choice for listeners interested in African music, world music, a cappella vocals, choral music, isicathamiya and the group's celebrated collaborations with Paul Simon.

Tracklist

1. Inkanyezi Nezazi (The Star & The Wiseman) – 4:52
2. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes – 5:45
3. Swing Low Sweet Chariot – 3:52
4. Knockin' On Heavens Door – 5:43
5. Kangivumanga (I Disagreed) – 5:12
6. Sisesiqhingini (Everything Is So Stupid) – 4:20
7. Homeless – 3:56
8. Vulcan Amasango – 3:18
9. Abezizwe Ngeke Bayiqede – 3:40
10. Sibezwa Bekhuluma – 3:28
11. Chain Gang – 3:53
12. Yibolabafana – 4:31
13. We Nhiziyo Yami – 2:31
14. Siligugu Isphambano – 3:04
15. Rain, Rain Beautiful Rain – 2:21
16. Ngelekele – 2:46
17. Wonke Amehlo Azokumbona – 2:59
18. Akehlulek'ubaba (With God, Everything Is Possible) – 4:22
19. Liph' Iqiniso – 3:32
20. World In Union 95 – 3:54