There aren’t many acts that can pull off playing a concert with just vocal harmonies and no musical instruments for over an hour to thousands of people. There aren’t many that can successfully spread the joys of culture, love and peace. However, Ladysmith Black Mambazo bring all of that to their audiences and more, so much more!

A male South African Vocalist Harmony group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been a group since 1960 when they were founded by Joseph Shabalala. The group came to be known worldwide when they worked alongside Paul Simon for his album Graceland in 1986. Since then, the group have gone on to win multiple awards, including five Grammy Awards.

Having been around since the 60’s, the members have changed over the years. The current group reside in Durban and are Joseph Shabalala’s sons Thamsanqa, Msizi, Thulani, and Sibongiseni; cousins Albert and Abednego Mazibuko; and close friends Russel Mthembu and Ngane Dlamini.

An almost sold out show at The Big Top Tent at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, the group kicked off the Sunday events in true fashion at 1pm. Having heard their set list earlier in the day, I already knew that I was in for a treat!

You don’t have to know anything about LadySmith Black Mambazo’s music to enjoy and appreciate their talents. The show is somewhat of a lesson as they speak to the audience about their culture, their message, what the songs mean and they even touch on the history of the group dedicating songs to their founder and celebrating him. Kind and generous to their audience, they are very well aware that the British audience will have difficulty singing along but that’s part of what makes the show so fun, they use that as part of their light hearted comedy and they humour us but telling us we did a good job!

Every vocal note was beautiful to hear and their movements and dancing was utterly entertaining! The melody of their voices is awe-inspiring and each song performed was energetic and engaging.

Songs like Tough Times Never Last were inspirational and encouraging, spreading their ever strong messages about living positively and looking ahead. Hello My Baby was a fun performance with many fun actions.

Celebrating 30 years of democracy they performed Long Walk to Freedom. A highly emotional moment from both the group and the audience, it was probably one of the most meaningful performances they had ever done of that song and it showed!

Homeless was another sensational moment, a truly captivating and moving performance, the co written Paul Simon track of which they were a part of on his Graceland album is still as impactful as it was then.

It should be noted that their timing, pitch and subtle comedic moments were completely on point. The sound was perfection as their chorus of voices filled every inch of the big top tent and reached every soul in there. They command the stage in such a way that you pay attention to every member throughout.

It was over too soon but every moment was mind blowing. They are truly masterful. Going to a Ladysmith Black Mambazo concert is more than just a show, it’s an experience, an education on culture and a lesson in positivity and love! Closing with Joy, Peace and Happiness, I can’t imagine anyone walking away at the end feeling anything other.