Joseph Shabalala (Ladysmith Black Mambazo) 1990 by Tim Van Schmidt

Joyful, uplifting, even humorous, the vocal music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo inspired Paul Simon to feature the group on his groundbreaking release, "Graceland." In this interview in 1990, Mambazo founder and leader Joseph Shabalala told me just how much Paul Simon's influence meant to African music in the 1980s, but also much, much more. Shabalala told me about the cultural roots of his music- Zulu- and the nature of African music in general. But he also told me about how music had been communicated to him in a dream- and that his dream voice guided him still. He also told me about being on Saturday Night Live and Sesame Street. I heard of Shabalala's passing just recently and felt the loss of a joyful spirit.

[@morgantsabedze5005]

I'll always remember babe Shabalala and his team Ladysmith black mambazo.

[@ElvisNgubani]

Salute

[@mxolisimdaka8656]

How I loved J B Shabalala, well I still do even now, rest in power LEGEND

[@hakeema7554]

Excellent and amazing interview with the leader and founder of ladysmith black mambazo joseph shabalala

[@RinounongoMbahepa]

❤😂 I like it 🇳🇦

[@NchadiGanaope]

❤😢

[@lenamarkusson3180]

💕Thank You💕Greetings from The Free People’s Movement From Swden💕

[@russelmanqele2182]

Halala Ladysmith Black Mambazo