{"product_id":"ladysmith-black-mambazo-the-ultimate-collection","title":"Ladysmith Black Mambazo – The Ultimate Collection","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLadysmith Black Mambazo – The Ultimate Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLadysmith Black Mambazo’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ultimate Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together the rich vocal harmonies, uplifting melodies and distinctive South African musical traditions that have made the group internationally renowned. This two-CD compilation showcases the ensemble’s remarkable versatility, moving between traditional isicathamiya, gospel, spirituals, popular song and cross-cultural collaborations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounded by Joseph Shabalala in South Africa in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo developed a distinctive sound rooted in isicathamiya, a style of close-harmony singing associated with Zulu musical culture and the experiences of Black migrant workers in South Africa. Characterised by intricate vocal arrangements, carefully balanced harmonies and rhythmic precision, the group’s music combines a strong sense of tradition with an infectious warmth and accessibility. Their performances celebrate the expressive power of the human voice, often creating a full, orchestral effect without relying on conventional instrumental backing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe group reached a much wider international audience through their collaboration with Paul Simon on his landmark 1986 album \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGraceland\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Their contribution helped introduce South African vocal traditions to listeners around the world, while Joseph Shabalala’s songwriting and arrangements remained central to the group’s identity. Subsequent collaborations with artists from different musical backgrounds further demonstrated how naturally their harmonies could complement a broad range of styles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcross its two discs, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ultimate Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e captures these different sides of the group. Traditional material and signature recordings sit alongside gospel favourites, interpretations of well-known songs and collaborations with prominent international artists. Highlights include the stirring vocal interplay of “Mbube”, the spiritually resonant “Amazing Grace \/ Nearer To My God To Thee”, and “Homeless”, the memorable composition associated with the group’s work with Paul Simon. The collection also features “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” with Paul Simon, “Knockin' On Heaven's Door” with Dolly Parton, “Ain't No Sunshine” with Des'ree and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” with China Black.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe second disc continues the journey through the group’s extensive repertoire, incorporating “Chain Gang” with Lou Rawls, “World In Union 95” featuring PJ Powers and “Once In A Blue Moon” with Lighthouse Family. These collaborations sit alongside songs celebrating home, community, faith and hope, illustrating the breadth of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s musical reach without losing the distinctive vocal identity at the heart of their recordings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor listeners discovering South African music, this collection offers an accessible introduction to one of the country’s best-known vocal ensembles. Long-time fans will appreciate the combination of traditional repertoire, familiar favourites and international collaborations, while collectors of world music, African choral music, gospel and vocal harmony will find a varied overview of the group’s catalogue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA compelling celebration of South African musical heritage and the universal appeal of close-harmony singing, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ultimate Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together the warmth, precision and uplifting spirit that define Ladysmith Black Mambazo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTracklist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisc 1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-spread=\"false\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHalala South Africa (Congratulations South Africa) – 5:16\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInkanyezi Nezazi (Star And The Wiseman) – 4:54\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmabutho (Warriors) – 3:23\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwing Low Sweet Chariot – 3:51\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDlondlobala Njalo – 4:16\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRain Rain Beautiful Rain – 3:11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSisesiqhingini (Everything Is So Stupid...Stupid...Stupid) – 4:20\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHello My Baby – 3:23\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMbayimbayi (A Weapon) – 4:25\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnockin' On Heaven's Door – 5:43\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHomeless – 3:56\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmaphoyisa (Policeman) – 4:33\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbezizwe (Uniting Nations Together) D'influence Mix – 3:42\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLihl'ixhiba Likagogo – 3:57\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSibezwa Bekhuluma (We Hear Them Talking) – 3:29\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(Nkosi Sikelel'i - Africa) Shosholoza – 3:30\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmazing Grace \/ Nearer To My God To Thee – 4:14\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisc 2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-spread=\"false\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes... – 5:41\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMbube – 3:01\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEbetlehema Yiyo Lenkosi - (In Bethlehem He Is King) – 4:57\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAin't No Sunshine – 3:49\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew York City – 4:30\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld In Union 95 – 3:54\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNomathemba (Mother Of Hope) – 3:54\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQed'usizi – 4:18\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChain Gang – 3:48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKhayelihle Khaya Lami (My Beautiful Home) – 2:46\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOh Happy Day – 5:44\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLifiklie Ivangeli (The Gospel Has Arrived) – 3:22\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIningi Liyabon Ububende (Many Spoil The Broth) – 4:53\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBaxabene Babangani (Friends Who Have Quarrelled) – 3:30\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHalleluya – 3:31\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYinhle Lentombi (This Lady Is Beautiful) – 3:31\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce In A Blue Moon – 3:58\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iUH7PM0-cpI?si=2FJ4rgXavK-9_gFS\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Universal Music Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55670557081942,"sku":"5566822","price":3.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1009\/1013\/7686\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_83c26e40-1b4d-4c88-b170-8237fd041271.jpg?v=1791563151","url":"https:\/\/www.sounds-grounds.co.uk\/products\/ladysmith-black-mambazo-the-ultimate-collection","provider":"Sounds + Grounds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}