Ladysmith Black Mambazo/Mint Juleps "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"

[@robertcounts5300]

I don't hear people, I hear ANGELS!

[@Verla-z7x]

Same here. Beautiful!

[@phemamofokeng]

No instruments no auto tune just pure voices wow man here we talking real art(ist)

[@plato107]

This song was written in 1939 in the Zulu language by a musician, Solomon Linda. The original title was Mbube, which was the Zulu word to call a lion (Lion = imbube). There is a good Zulu version recorded by The Mahotella Queens on a compilation, African Playground, on the Putamaya label.

[@nielskjr5432]

I'd really love to listen to that.

[@SarahYip1111]

@@nielskjr5432 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKc the story behind this song is well worth researching, a lot of controversy

[@sydboski]

@@nielskjr5432 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PVgodqjNCVhKcsi=cdgIJN6UIuWrgGYV

[@charlietreston4035]

This reminds me of my time in South Africa 🇿🇦 back in the 70s and how the people were able to make these wonderful tunes just with their voices ❤️

[@Bert_Fromarketin]

ALMIGHTY LADYSMITH!! R.I.P JOSEPH

[@briblo]

My dad would play this and Paul Simon's Graceland album which Ladysmith Black Mambazo sang on several songs...the harmonies are flawless.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Does anyone else's soul just SOARRRR when they hear this? I am on air!!

[@chuckcunningham9653]

Absolutely !!! totally awesome... totally divin

[@johnrussell3321]

If you have a soul, it do.

[@phongulu]

SOARRRR indeed !

[@michaelt5017]

I'm floating on cloud nine too! This is the best ever version of this wonderful song!

[@Stinkbug74]

Amazing, isn't it. 💖

[@TheUser195]

look at this! no in ear monitors, just pure training and technique, no-one is over powering anyone, they're playing together in perfect harmony. Stunning.

[@queenmama9229]

Facts💯💯💯

[@1974lovesnow]

REAL MUSIC, GREAT GENTLEMEN ! REAL MUSIC ! Concert I will never Forget, Bless Them !

[@CXensation]

its called timing ...

[@janinesmith290]

Great concert at the Barbican centre last week. Someone must have captured it on video 🙏

[@jenn976]

It can be done, obviously. But it takes musicians, musicians who listen to each other, who rehearse, and most of all, in a space that allows that listening to actually happen. You can’t do this in a “dead” room.

[@LIVEFRMNYC]

This is the best version, nothing comes close.

[@virgilioantoniocepedaherna1649]

yes it is the best

[@thomasblock1882]

Above and beyond!

[@Stinkbug74]

It's been my favorite since the day I first heard it over 15 years ago.

[@mikeoaktree]

Except for the blacksmith lady mambazo alone

[@Stinkbug74]

@@mikeoaktree I just listened to one of theirs here on you tube, I think it's the one from 'coming to americs' and I love the acoustics on that one. It has an echo as if they are singing it from a large cave.

[@lothrienshadowdancer1570]

No words can describe the beauty of this singing!!

[@taylordw]

It’s refreshing to hear female high notes rather than male falsetto as in the Tokens and the Nylons

[@sydboski]

@@taylordw In the original Mbube by Solomon Linda there were no women.

[@sharonrollins2386]

I saw this when it came on PBS I believe. I was watching with my Mother. She loved Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It's beautiful because it takes me back to that time when she was alive, happy, and healthy!

[@sharonrollins2386]

It may have been on HBO. Either way, this is beautiful.

[@jackiec859]

I saw it on PBS.

[@sydboski]

@@jackiec859 It was on PBS. that is where I saw it.

[@olielapz3534]

It's in our DNA- we all came from Africa that's why we all love this kind of music

[@fredaclaassen9727]

Just love Black Mambazo gospel n all songs WOW !

[@PaulaZF]

This is a great reminder of where this song came from. Ladysmith have a richness to their voices. Their technique of singing their language is incredibly difficult to master. It is gorgeous. Thank you.

[@lindadespain5422]

Never tire of this version. I come back when I need the flow, melody, harmony, soft African nights with respect for such peace.

[@syahmhlongo825]

Deep House

[@taylorduvernay9789]

Same here, I needed to hear this today so I came to search ❤. So blessed

[@mthunzimhlongo660]

THE MAN WHO WROTE THIS SONG HIS LAST NAME IS LINDA

[@rhondakim]

What a beautiful and perfectly-stated comment. 😊

[@kenmarriott6816]

Africa has a rythem all of its own

[@brileygabriel4949]

We are a special people.. I am a Black man of Caribbean decent.. The harmonies...the rhythms... the soul.. It speaks to me.. it brings me to tears..

[@WgCdrLuddite]

I'm a white European bloke and the tears are streaming down my face. Beautiful music transcends ethnicity.

[@bludalwoodalwoo]

Sometimes on the internet you see some truly inspiring things. This is one of them.

[@martyne3325]

RIP Joseph :'( Thank YOU for the beautiful music you gave us

[@Saigonjoe1]

Always come back to this amazing rendition. 15 years. Wow.

[@jg2072]

This was part of Spike Lee's project that aired in 1992 or so.

[@tinofaratinashemukakaso5632]

I don't why but I get emotional everytime I listen to this song

[@1974lovesnow]

Husband back in the 70's took me to New Orleans to see them LIVE ! Still LOVE THEM ! Thank You Stephen In Heaven !

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Ladysmith Black Mambazo are sublime, just by themselves, 'a cappella taking wings'. But with the wonderful addition of feminine voices, the experience for me was utterly celestial. Believe this?? There ARE actual people on Earth who have never heard LBM?? Pity the fools....

[@garyhalsey7693]

Agreed!! Had the joy of seeing them live at the Edinburgh Playhouse many years ago......sublime!!

[@klishnor1]

Don't pity them, envy them for the feeling of awakening which will happen to them when they hear LBM for the first time.

[@splashery]

Joseph Tshabalala one of RSA's greatest musical prodigies.

[@thesparklingunicorn8543]

I have whole body goose bumps right now

[@Edubl2012]

This was @ the Brooklyn Academy of Music, NYC. I was there. The show was taped live and produced by Spike Lee. The show was called, "Do It Accapella

[@marsthatdamnrebel]

THANKS! I do remember watching this on TV and having chills during this song.

[@cybercroneCA]

You lucky, lucky duck!!

[@singingzoo]

My wife had taped it back in the day on VHS and it got a lot of syringe in our house. Any more of this on KZbin?

[@tomhicks4097]

This is sublime, a beauty of voice and movement and fellowship that makes my tears flow.

[@anthonycruz8630]

I remember this. But, I was a child. I loved it, but didn't know how to appreciate it.

[@sydboski]

Thee best version ever! Nothing even comes close. Not even the original Mbube.

[@jamesrandell1159]

The sound of AFRICA brings back great memories.

[@danielkazonda4553]

This is what makes me a proud African!!!

[@peterdenew7459]

they just crushed this arrangement !!!!! Just wow!!! Ladysmith and the Julips !!! Harmonies are just incredible !!!! Peace be with Joseph Shabalala the world lost a great voice. :(

[@donovan6592]

I agree with that other comment this version has no equal. It by far the best version ever and I don't believe that anyone will ever top this performance is phenomenal! I am 74 yrs. Old will somebody tell me why these phenomenal artists are making me cry every time I come back to listen. Great job bravo thank you for sharing your talents with the world. I love everyone of you.

[@jamesroyce1845]

Another old fella here (only 65 though). Only Ladysmith give this the emotion and depth, Despite what's happening in this so-called progressive age, it's only with people like these that barriers are truly broken down. I'm white and unashamed of loving tribal music of all kinds and I don't subscribe to 'cultural appropriation' because I like sounds like this so much.

[@maxaronow712]

At any given time in my life, the urge to sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is just a whim away.........a whim away a whim away a whim away

[@lexabellanosa6524]

😂😂😂

[@johnjibril1280]

😂😅😅

[@777lufy]

🤣🤣🤣

[@gengisjon]

Haha!

[@catherineouellette8124]

This is so lovely--I picture a community who lives next to & respects our animal brothers & sisters & comes together to soothe, protect & teach the youngest, most vulnerable people. Let the world live that way.

[@d.l.l.6578]

Are you kidding? Africans kill and eat animals all the time.

[@stuffnonsense8039]

When I first heard LBM's music and saw them perform, the band members were not yet free (back in apartheid days). I have a feeling i am gonna bawl like a baby seeing them again in March. The side of freedom and dignity is ALWAYS the right side of history. This group did so much to get the West and US to stand up against apartheid, to get the great President Mandela released from prison, and helped create international pressure to free their countrymen and women from the inhumane rule of apartheid. Music can change the world.

[@katekohl6059]

dkmeller1 Unfortunately, that's true. :(

[@PhayaCycles]

dkmeller1 I beg to differ my good friend. the situation is less than perfect as is the case all over the world. we have made significant strides though.

[@jeanpi314159]

Cuba is the country that made the more to free South Africa and it was the first country Mandela visited when he became the the first president of the free South Africa. Of course, music can change the world, but you need some other weapons too.Cuban soldiers won against South African mercenary and army. When Fidel Castro died, people could sign and write words to his memory in a book at the Cuban Embassy. I came there with my wife (she is from Madagascar, a country taht help ANC during Apartheid times), and we have been really impressed to see how many African people thanked Fidel Castro and Cuba for their freedom . There were a lot of pages in that book.

[@imaslowlerner]

My African family have been through so much all over this planet.

[@JebHoge]

1:22 that haunting harmony...it's been what, 25 years since this was released, and I've never, ever heard a better rendition.

[@amayajones68]

I agree. My heart fluttered hearing that.

[@aggabus]

25 plus 25

[@roxierocker5624]

Well it's been close to 50 years as I know it. I'm 62 years old, ... have it by the "Tokens", and "Pete Seeger", ... both from the early 60's. "Lady-Smith Black Mambazo" are simply fantastic. My first exposure to "Mint Juleps", ... and will certainly look into their work.

[@matimbamabunda7950]

The original song was released in 1939 by solomon linda. it was titled mbube. So i guess it has been 77 years.

[@edsonpetgrave5944]

ok

[@ayandantombela]

It is not me in 2024 tearing because of this song.❤😢

[@ataindum]

Instrumental Voices! Splendid.

[@christianmountou1256]

I like this song so much.

[@martyne3325]

Love this song, So glad I got to see them in concert before Joseph left us 😢 I love 2:11 his voice sends shivers down my spine when he hits that note

[@renkessler5476]

Me, too.

[@monkeymouse]

Moves me to tears every time; not just the performance but the symbolism, the two parts of the Diaspora connecting again.

[@monkeymouse]

Who said you would? Besides, Africa ranges from Algeria to Zambia; whereabouts were U?

[@mukwedeya]

Beautiful vocals, and seamlessly flowing and graceful deft movements!!!!! Simply in a class of of its own!!!!! Thank you Ladysmith Black Mambazo/Mint Juleps in "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and William Adams for sharing this timeless marvel

[@Joel-nz1gd]

The year is 2022 and this is still sending chills to my spine.

[@sydboski]

I heard this version when it was on PBS on Spike Lee's Acapella. It's 2024 and it still moves the soul.

[@UNEEKMONIQ]

I was told when a King of an African Tribe dies; the tribe says "the lion sleeps". This is the meaning of this song. I could be wrong, but still a beautiful song.

[@motorcop505]

MONIQUE PURCELL I believe the original spoke of Shaka King of the Zulus. His sleeping is like King Arthur's in that he will return when he is needed. There are some pure African versions on KZbin.

[@barbaragrace4446]

Uyimbube actually means "you are a lion"

[@bensonokello888]

You're correct. The song was meant to celebrate/mourn the death of the Zulu king. "In the jungle the might jungle the Lion sleeps tonight", that line traditionally is interpreted as "in the peaceful none-violent Zulu kingdom, the king sleeps(laid to rest) tonight". In Africa, we believe that the soul/spirit of the departed finds more peace and ease traveling to the spiritual land in the night or when the sun goes down.

[@noexpectations17]

The melody comes from the Zulu singer Solomon Linda, who recorded "Mbube" with his group, Evening Birds, in 1939. The lyrics mean, "Lion! Ha! You're a lion." Pete Seeger heard the record and mistook the repeating phrase as "Wimoweh," which he cut with The Weavers in 1951(The Kingston Trio also recorded it). In 1961, The Tokens recorded it with lyrics written by George Weiss based on a false translation of the Zulu from a staffer at the South African consulate in New York. Rian Malan wrote a great story about the song that appeared in the May 25, 2000 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. The song has made millions, although very little of the wealth has gone to the Linda family in South Africa.

[@martinmkhatshwa5087]

Only people from royal families in south africa are earn that honor as to not scared the kids and also welcoming the dead to his/her ancestors

[@WilliamTitus]

Absolutely outstanding! Thank you!

[@bettygiddings7674]

Thank goodness this historical information has come to light. As often happens profit and greed once again displaced the original talent and content of those who were powerless to claim what was due them....recognition and their just compensation. We all should be proud of the melodic and harmonic genius of Solomon Linda.

[@paddy1952]

This is fantastic. It reaches something deep inside. We now know from DNA research that we're all African if you go back far enough. This is the music of our souls.

[@thembelanimkhize7918]

I can feel unity proving Africa is the motherland, we are all Africans in the planet earth

[@FelFree]

🌍 Mama Africa ✨✨✨

[@GoddessOfLightMagee]

Mama Africa

[@ethancarbajal8496]

Holy shit are you serious? If this is true that would just be EPIC if everyone knew this fact just think of how society would be right now...no racism or anything like that...I love the sound of that

[@paddy1952]

@@3Doctors Why gon't you read, or at least watch some paleantology videos from credible sources, before posting such an ignorant remark? Maybe study English as well.

[@trendydelquendy]

Faaackin' hell look at the eye contact. Proper musicians.

[@bro.malcolmali395]

Coming to America rings a bell here especially the intro song

[@markuspemler3489]

Absolutely the best ever. Their voices are heavenly fascinating, always a joy & pleasure to listen to them 😍😍😍

[@chronecro]

I've been looking for an authenic, true to the original Zulu, yet highly tonic version of The Lion Sleeps tonight, and so far this is it. Well done, Solomon Linda, you wrote a classic.

[@mikeggg5671]

Who is Solomon Linda

[@chronecro]

@@mikeggg5671 LOL want me to google that for you?

[@billyarrow9499]

After all my years working in Africa, listening to this beautiful piece brings tears to my eyes as I so miss the people and sights of that continent.

[@flow14569]

Am never tired of this song

[@jg2072]

This was part of such a special project that brought many a capella groups to the American people.

[@joybarry968]

I can't stop crying. The soul and spirit of LIFE that flows through each and every one of those voices is absolutely Glorious. I can't stop crying. I am from Puerto Rico and puertoricans are part African when Columbus kidnapped us and brought us hog tied and chained. Thank you for this video.

[@rogerdodger8415]

You should really cry for your African brothers that sold you into captivity.

[@miguelacosta5446]

@@rogerdodger8415 not every one was sold, many were stolen

[@megavega4]

@@rogerdodger8415 you should shut the fuck up.

[@charlesgold9016]

@@rogerdodger8415 Have some emotional intelligence boy!!

[@rogerdodger8415]

@@charlesgold9016 I try not to mix emotion with intelligence. Not a smart thing to do.

[@ngiyaxolisa]

What a great version! Always a fan of LBM, but the girls voices are a perfect addtion.

[@gloriatshabalala3619]

The harmony is out of this world. I have listened to this collaboration many a time.

[@alinaaneldeiipinge4767]

we are actually two.

[@brianndrelan135]

I got hooked after watching their performance at World Expo held in Brisbane Australia in 1988.

[@brianndrelan135]

I got hooked after watching their performance at World Expo held in Brisbane Australia in 1988.

[@XR782VT]

Ya know, it always makes me happy to see so many videos of A Cappella. Most people nowadays don't even know what that is anymore but I still believe that singing without any type of instrument can often be better than with instruments because there is so much more that the human voice can do than an instrument can ever hope to accomplish.

[@smokenwhisky9163]

Yup! I sing in a few large choirs and when rehearsing it is pretty much a Capella but when we do the concerts we have musicians to help provide a fuller sound. Fuller being subjective, the choir is 130 person and the orchestra is 50pc. Goods times!

[@donnaleary1746]

The human voice is the only one that Our Creator ever made.

[@barnowl.]

Loved, loved, loved this unique and wonderful version of 'Wimoweh/ The Loin Sleeps Tonight'. I've known this song for 65 years and still get goose bumps from it. Well done LBM and MJs - a fabulous effort !

[@benkei7530]

This is the original. The tokens stole it

[@barnowl.]

@@benkei7530 This is not the original and neither is The Tokens rendition. The original was composed by Solomon Linda of South Africa and sung by his group named Solomon Linda's Evening Birds. It's on You Tube . The song is also known as, 'Mbube'.

[@user-vw6bk4pb4l]

@@barnowl. The original was not composed by Solomon Linda, they were the first to record their version of a traditional Zulu folk song! This version is not unique, its simply Solomon Linda's version of Mbube plus added English lyrics from the popularised American version

[@adrianotellesdemenezes3184]

It´s so refreshing the memories from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia!!!

[@greatharv]

Ladysmith Black Mambazo brilliant as always. i have watched this a hundred times. The lady who comes out and dances has the most beautiful voice.

[@jago76]

I agree!

[@soundtrackofaphotograph1324]

greatharv They all have great and unique voices, but that moment when Sandra Charles dances with Joseph from Ladysmith is special. Absolutely beautiful. I actually started a Mint Juleps tribute page on Facebook. They still get up and sing occasionally!

[@jago76]

This version is truly a masterpiece.

[@theoriginalMaxman2]

At any given time in my life, the urge to sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is just a whim away.........a whim away a whim away a whim away....

[@ralphgraler4223]

The best version I've ever heard... coloured voices are still the best for this song... real love it!!! Djambo, Africa.... ❤❤❤

[@timothyalderson2752]

The purity is euphoric.

[@Sphin1]

Now that is what we call fantastic musing....

[@rickgordon2849]

Best version ever. Phenomenal harmonies.

[@valeriemutanga1605]

2019 October who is still here 💖👌💟 this is so amazing I am so in love I can't get enough of this 😍😋😘

[@Andijt]

I'm still here! These two groups are phenomenal together!!

[@patriciafinnie3497]

Just the best .🤩

[@haroldvonschwartzenstien3581]

July 2021, feeling bad that I thought it was a Tight Fit song...

[@anascoburn]

Warmth, longing, a gentle ecstasy carried by the richness of human voices raised together in that easy, e trancing rhythm. This performance went straight to my heart more than a decade ago, and though my attention shifts elsewhere, it is as though the cadence persists and the music has never stopped.

[@dmvweezy5235]

September 2021

[@michaelp.9921]

.....Absolutely uplifting, soulful and perfectly symbiotic performance of both Solomon Linda's original and the "Tokens'/Weiss'" versions of this song!! True harmony! Thank you for sharing! This performance truly carries the soul of Mr. Linda and strives to reconcile the economic injustice surrounding this most popular song.....

[@pmashindamabuta7496]

I always play this song whenever am driving , it gives me strength to go on .

[@jay-jaykruger3589]

Talent from South-Africa! The real Makoya!! Amandla!!

[@patriciasibanda1204]

Awethu!!!

[@alicegauteng2358]

100%

[@ugonnaetoh1770]

O Boyyyy seeee voices, Chinekemeee... This voices can resurrect the dead...

[@cottonclarksa]

The blend of voices in this is magnificent. This is almost 20 years old, and I remember watching it on TV when it first came out. Instead of PBS, though, I recall it being on HBO. Regardless, this is some of the good stuff in life. Spike, as usual, was way ahead of his time... I really do believe this whole series launched the a'capella/Glee movement that is so strong today. And that is a good thing, a very good thing.

[@douglasjackson8571]

Well your local PBS probably did not receive the viewing it wanted. Here in Northeast Ohio I watched Spike Lee does Acapella on WVIZ PBS. A Truly awesome music film about acoustic vocal music

[@CMahue]

WWWWOOOOWWWW!!! Never heard better. I agree....gotta be on Heaven's juke box.

[@oldsoul29]

This pretty... song beautiful🎶.. love it... soul

[@kdvincent1982]

I remember my dad recording this when it was on tv and watching it a lot. One of my favorite childhood memories

[@mikeggg5671]

My grandmother and I were always fascinated by this song, and especially by this group. Our family is german, and my great great grandfather was an officer in the schutztruppe in German East africa. Until his dying days, though I never met him, the family always repeated the stories of how he had nothing but praise and respect for the black soldiers who served with him against the british. They fought for the entire war, and he went back to Africa several times for reunions and was always warmly received. The fact that these men and their music were born of the horror that was apartheid in South Africa is absolutely unconscionable, and I wish wish nothing but death and horrible pain on those responsible for such a horrific set of it events

[@thomastarwater6035]

The most magnificent blending of voices this side of heaven! Thank you Spike Lee!

[@cjsb22lr]

bloody marvellous-------------------------may you keep singing for Africa!

[@kevinmorin7965]

Debbie C sure can sing! If fate had these ladies living in the States and near Detroit- they'd have been a Mo-Town name girls group. Sorry we didn't have the 'net' back then or we'd have heard of them earlier.

[@dremalogsdon829]

I had never heard this version. I truly love this

[@AndoyVillafuerte]

This is by far my most favorite Acapella version of Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight). Greetings from the Philippines.

[@dadaveda]

This is one of the best versions that I have seen on KZbin.

[@darkmagus64]

It's the sound of a thousand angels.

[@pattiesalon]

A friend told many years ago when he listened to an African song performed by native Africans that he really heard “timbre” in the voices. This reminds me of that unique and beautiful sound. This is gorgeous.

[@jas20per]

If your God was to have music this is it!

[@ericgarbutt8561]

This is the authentic version. Many people have made entertaining versions of this song, but I have never heard one with the authentic rhythm and African sound that this has. Even those just in Zulu do not capture the spirit of the song like LBM- this is the real thing- 'ingoma imphele'

[@sukoluhlefuyana5101]

The original 1 is from solomon linda

[@molokosugar1588]

Mushengu tshabalala RIP African blood

[@tinroofbusted]

Well im so relaxed now its stupid, What great voices, no silly guitar and drums just pure voice and music. Can there be any other form of communication that is so human and wonderful.

[@yomilokan9751]

Some sounds you will never forget.

[@wjlintz]

Possibly the nicest sound ever recorded.

[@jackmandu]

Love it, half the guys are singing wimoweh and the other half are singing mbube. Ladysmith Black Mambazo are always fantastic.

[@1492tomato]

I suspect this is one Heaven's juke box

[@Onionbaron]

Out of this world!!! Solomon Linda smiles from above! That baseline are something else!!!!

[@1stPCFerret]

I think this is the best arrangement of this song I've heard yet.

[@iriegnome]

Back in 2002, I had the privilage to work with Ladysmith at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.. I can tell you this, videos do not do these guys justice. They are so incredible in person.

[@tlmerritts]

The Mint Juleps are awesome!

[@MrJeffnow]

Harmony to the fullest, great voices and simple moves. What's the problem today?

[@paulstebenne8401]

This is a timeless song . It’s like the Diamond of songs it will last forever and it will shine brighter over time.

[@onyiloadams339]

Perfect music when one need to connect his soul to a realm of great imagination A rare history of harmony that will ever be green. 31-12-2022. What a day to come across this on the final day of 2022.

[@steveegallo3384]

All Glory to Solomon Linda, composer (in Zulu) of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Wimowe - Mbube" (1939).

[@nokuphilakhumalo4269]

It was never once called wimoweh only "Mbube " (uyimbube- a lion) "the lion sleeps tonight" is the American version

[@whitway]

AMEN MR GALLO! GOD BLESS Solomon Linda!!!!

[@russellstonestreet997]

Good music keeps all race in harmony. ✌

[@whbjr0riginal]

I love the whole thing, start to finish, but 1:22 sends chills up and down my spine. It did twenty-two years ago, and it does today.