Pages tagged “south africa”

Miriam Makeba: 1932-2008

The great South African vocalist Miriam Makeba, a regal musician and renowned civil rights activist, has reportedly died of a heart attack at the age of 76....  read more

Found in: Music, News

Ladysmith Black Mambazo: In the Name of the Father

After 40-some years leading boundary-breaking South African vocal troupe Ladysmith Black Mambazo, group founder Joseph Shabalala is stepping down and turning the reins over to his son Tommy Shabalala, who now joins a notable group of African sons carrying on the work of their esteemed musical patriarchs...  read more

Found in: Music, Features

South African Dispatch

During the Apartheid years, I remember watching a black guitarist play with a white band dressed in overalls. He had a bucket and mop standing near his amplifier—strict laws prevented musicians of different ethnic backgrounds from playing together, and if the police had raided...  read more

Found in: Culture, Features