Summary: Joseph Shabalala describes how the vision for Ladysmith Black Mambazo came to him in a dream -- in four-part harmony. Shabalala's voice takes on multiple characters as he talks about the transformative power of music in his life.
Shabalala has one of the most recognizeable and amazing speaking voices in the world of music, and the producers are wise enough to let us have it essentially unadorned, telling tales of great power. I can't imagine any serious public radio listener (whose interests have expanded beyond classical music) not being enthralled. And after Mandela and Tutu, he may be the great South African voice
This is beautifully constructed, with just the right proportions of words and music -- and the producer has the good sense to let the music drop out when the words are especially compelling. It sounds like Shabalala is whispering in your ear, telling you stories. I feel like I can see him leaning closer when he has something important to say. I'm using this to fill a news hole in the American Radio Works Mandela doc, so it makes a nice complement.
Shabalala's story is told with the same exquisite harmony and rhythm that is at the heart of the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I would especially recommend the five-minute version, where the addition of Shabalala's personal transformation as well as the repressive political situation nudges this work into an even higher, more important level. Here's a story that lives up to all those station mission statements that promise to educate, enlighten and enrich, and manages to do all three in the most delightful way.
Comments for Joseph Shabalala: the leader of Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo, In his own words
This piece belongs to the series "Musicians in their own words"
Produced by David Schulman
Other pieces by David Schulman
Rating Summary
4 comments
Noah Chandler
Posted on February 25, 2009 at 04:09 AM | Permalink
Beautifully Simple!
Yummilisicous! Okay, that's not a word but this is truly one sweet piece. I can't add anything that hasn't been said already except, thank you!
Bill McKibben
Posted on November 12, 2004 at 04:37 AM | Permalink
Review of Joseph Shabalala: In his own words
Shabalala has one of the most recognizeable and amazing speaking voices in the world of music, and the producers are wise enough to let us have it essentially unadorned, telling tales of great power. I can't imagine any serious public radio listener (whose interests have expanded beyond classical music) not being enthralled. And after Mandela and Tutu, he may be the great South African voice
Tara Anderson
Posted on July 15, 2004 at 12:34 PM | Permalink
Review of Jospeh Shabalala: In his own words
This is beautifully constructed, with just the right proportions of words and music -- and the producer has the good sense to let the music drop out when the words are especially compelling. It sounds like Shabalala is whispering in your ear, telling you stories. I feel like I can see him leaning closer when he has something important to say. I'm using this to fill a news hole in the American Radio Works Mandela doc, so it makes a nice complement.
Phil Easley
Posted on February 11, 2004 at 04:38 AM | Permalink
Review of Jospeh Shabalala: In his own words
Shabalala's story is told with the same exquisite harmony and rhythm that is at the heart of the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I would especially recommend the five-minute version, where the addition of Shabalala's personal transformation as well as the repressive political situation nudges this work into an even higher, more important level. Here's a story that lives up to all those station mission statements that promise to educate, enlighten and enrich, and manages to do all three in the most delightful way.