“Without fanfare or prelude, a simple introduction by an off-stage voice introduced Ladysmith Black Mambazo, welcoming them to the stage on the Ides of March at The Dakota Jazz Club on Tuesday, their first appearance in Minnesota in over two years.
The eight-member group immediately filled the club with their iconic sounds recognizable as the music of South Africa. From tunics of cobalt blue or amber red, to their red socks and shockingly white sneakers, they looked reassuringly familiar.
Their 90-minute set sung in both Zulu and English began with a traditional greeting – “Sawubona” — “We see you.”Performing on a bigger stage in previous appearances and individually miced – and they were more energetic – using every inch of their performance arena. The larger space enabled them to dance with greater leeway. Tuesday’s sound system provided a microphone on a stand for each singer, but if they turned their heads from the mic, their voices were lost. Consequently, they stayed close to their mics and used arm gestures with occasional breakaways of two or three members dancing in unison.”
By: Susan Budig
Photos: Jasmine Webber
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