Ladysmith Black Mambazo is thrilled to share some remarkable news about an extraordinary musical collaboration that is poised to make a significant impact both nationally and internationally. The iconic South African Isicathamiya group and five-time Grammy Award winners have joined forces with two of the country’s most celebrated musical talents: Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza.

This landmark collaboration is proudly presented by Gallo Record Company, South Africa’s oldest and largest independent label, whose relationship with Ladysmith Black Mambazo dates back several decades. Together, they have produced globally renowned works that have amplified the voices of South African music legends across the world. From the group’s early groundbreaking international release Shaka Zulu to their globally celebrated collaborative works,  Gallo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo have continued to innovate while preserving tradition.  This new chapter adds another powerful entry to their shared legacy.

For over 65 years, since its founding by Dr. Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has maintained an unparalleled legacy. Their international breakthrough came via their iconic collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland album—a transformative moment in world music history. Since then, they have shared stages and studios with global legends such as Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Wonder, solidifying their status in music history.

This latest collaboration underscores the power of partnership to expand reach and introduce artistry to new audiences. The project, curated by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, fuses their distinctive sound with the creative genius of jazz icon Nduduzo Makhathini and the soulful storytelling of indigenous music torchbearer Mbuso Khoza. Together, they’ve created ten richly textured tracks—a tapestry of culture, history, and musical mastery.

Nduduzo Makhathini, an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and scholar, brings spiritual depth and improvisational brilliance as both producer and featured artist. His global accolades and performance credentials ensure that this project reaches new artistic heights.

Mbuso Khoza, celebrated for his dedication to indigenous music and powerful vocal storytelling, brings a deeply rooted authenticity to this project. Currently, his distinctive voice features prominently on the soundtrack of uShaka iLembe, the acclaimed historical drama series airing on Mzansi Magic. His contribution to the sonic landscape of the series has received widespread praise, further elevating his role as a cultural custodian and musical innovator.