Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Bring a South African Celebration of Freedom to Verizon Hall
February 7, 2006
Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings “Long Walk to Freedom” to the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall on Sunday, February 19, 2006 at 3pm. The ensemble will perform their trademark soaring harmonies which have symbolized the battered, yet undaunted soul of South Africa. This celebration of African freedom will also feature the South African peace advocate and the voice of the revolution, Vusi Mahlasela.
The performance is part of the Kimmel Center Presents Sovereign Bank World Pop Mix series. Upcoming performances include Mavis Staples and Taj Mahal on March 11, 2006; The Chieftains on March 12, 2006; and Medeski, Martin and Wood on April 7, 2006.
Tickets for Ladysmith Black Mambazo with Vusi Mahlasela are $61, $58, $51, $44 and $36, and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online or at the Kimmel Center Box Office, open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings (additional fees may apply). For group sales call 215-893-5883.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo was the brainchild of Joseph Shabalala, who was inspired by a “harmonious dream” and sought to bring that harmony to life. Since its conception, the group has excelled in its art and has worked to teach the world about the Zulu people and culture as well as about freedom and the beauty of South Africa. The unique South African sound of the Zulu group was brought back to America by Paul Simon. Their first album release for the United States won a Grammy in 1987 and resulted in eight more nominations before their second Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Recording in 2005. In addition to musical awards, their documentary film, ‘On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps To Freedom’ was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Short Documentary Film in 2001 and for an Emmy Award for Best Cultural Documentary on American television. Furthermore, the group’s work in ‘The Song of Jacob Zulu’ resulted in six Tony nominations. Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane is a self-taught guitarist, percussionist, composer, arranger, band leader and performer born in Lady Selbourne, Africa in 1965. From the onset, his songs addressed themes of political and social significance. His message of peace has been sung throughout the world, most notably during the inauguration of South Africa’s new president, Nelson Mandela.. Vusi is also the campaign ambassador for Mandela’s 46664 Aids Campaign. Among his most ardent supporters is Dave Matthews, a native of South Africa who has long aimed to make Vusi’s music known in the US. In 2000 he invited Vusi to contribute guest vocals on the title track of the Dave Matthews Band’s album Everyday. He has released 6 solo albums including When You Come Back (1991), Wisdom of Forgiveness (1994), Miyela Afrika (2000), Jungle of Question and his latest release, comprised of a definitive collection of his records, The Voice. Vusi is featured in the celebrated film Amandala! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony and is heard on four songs throughout the film’s soundtrack.
A limited number of $10 tickets are available for every Kimmel Center Presents performance at the Kimmel Center. Tickets go on sale the day of the event and can be purchased at the Kimmel Center box office beginning 2.5 hours prior to evening performances and 11:30am for matinees.
Kimmel Center Presents’ 2005/2006 season is supported by: Mellon Financial Corporation, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Sovereign Bank, The American Express Company, Verizon Foundation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The William Penn Foundation. Special Student Matinees at the Kimmel Center are generously supported by Merck & Co., Inc. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Kimmel Center Presents. Toyota is the Official Vehicle of Kimmel Center Presents Jazz and World Pop programming. In-kind support is generously provided by Deloitte and Southern Wine and Spirit. NBC-10 is a Media Partner for Kimmel Center Presents.
KIMMEL CENTER PRESENTS
Sovereign Bank World Pop Mix
Sunday, February 19, 2006 | 3pm
Verizon Hall
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Joseph Shabalala
Msizi Shabalala
Russel Mthembu
Albert Mazibuko
Jabulani Dubazana
Thulani Shabalala
Thamsanqa Shabalala
Sibongiseni Shabalala
Jokey Shabalala
Abednego Mazibuko
Vusi Mahlasela
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