"Nomathemba" is, purportedly, the first song that Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and lead vocalist Joseph Shabalala ever wrote, first recorded by the legendary Zulu vocal group in 1973. This re-recording is the opening track off of their upcoming "Long Walk to Freedom," which features new versions of classic Mambazo tunes, performed with a slew of largely unnecessary and often downright tacky guest appearances by the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant and Taj Mahal. On their own, though, as on this track, Mambazo sounds as great as ever, led by the husky dignity of Shabalala's extraordinary voice.
-- T.B.
Shares