They’ve come a long way from “Graceland.”
The men of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the South African a capella group that forever shall be linked to Paul Simon’s 1986 album, may more than established themselves in their own right.
The group has since garnered three Grammy nominations, has performed with Sarah McLachlan and Emmylou Harris, and performed at Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, South African presidential inaugurations, the Olympics, and even Queen Elizabeth’s 50th anniversary as monarch.
On March 19, the intricate rhythms and harmonies of the group’s new record, “Songs from a Zulu Farm,” will bounce off the walls at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts in Flatbush, bringing the singers back to the beginning.
“These songs are from the earliest time in our lives,” said Joseph Shabalala, who founded the group 50 years ago. “These are stories our fathers and mothers shared with us. When we sing these songs, we’re singing songs from our history.”
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Brooklyn Center [2900 Campus Rd. at Hillel Place in Flatbush, (718) 951-4500], March 19 at 8 pm. Tickets $40. For info, visit www.brooklyncenteronline.org.
