This weekend brought a new genre of music into my life. I was privileged to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a South African Iscathamiya (is-cot-a-me-ya) band. Since the venue was the Avalon Theatre in Easton, MD, I was not surprised to find myself and three others the only representation of music lovers under the age of 40. Regardless, the band was poppin', and the atmosphere inviting. The music originated with the self-entertainment of Black miners singing songs into the early morning hours of Sunday after a long six-day workweek. The music incorporates many dance steps that involved a tip-toe-esque style, as to no disturb the camp security guards. Because of this style, the singing dancers referred to themselves as Cothoza Mfana or "tip-toe guys." The tradition continued even after the workers returned to their homelands where it became a social competition throughout the Zululand of South Africa.
It was in the 1950's that Joseph Shabalala showed talent for the art. Joseph went on to start Ladysmith Black Mambazo which is now the 9 member band I saw on Saturday. Their music influenced Paul Simon's album Graceland. Everyone needs a little Mambazo in their lives, so CHECK IT OUT!!!!
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