You might know them best as Paul Simon’s backing band on Graceland, the smash 1986 album that was many Americans’ first serious dip into the wide ocean of world music. But South Africa’s top choral group has too much musical grace to need to stand behind anybody. They’ve been championing the complex, lilting harmonies of Zulu singing for more than 40 albums, including the new Wenyukela: Raise Your Spirit Higher, which came out in January. Founder Joseph Shabalala formed the group after literally dreaming of children singing perfect harmony that he felt compelled to re-create in the waking world, blending Christian gospel with an African a cappella style called isicathamiya. The post-Graceland years have only cemented their status as South Africa’s ambassadors to the world, a rep untaintable even by less divine team-ups like their cover of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” with Dolly Parton.
Ted Mann, 2128 Fourth St. S., Minneapolis; (612) 624-2345
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
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