Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Rio Theatre

For 60 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, and charming stage presence. It was Paul Simon’s 1987 Graceland album that introduced Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the world. The late former South African President Nelson Mandela designated the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” a title the members carry with them with the highest honor. In 2018 the group received not one but two Grammy Award nominations for two separate albums, a first in the history of World Music. These two nominations brought their career total to 19 Grammy award nominations. One of these albums, Shaka Zulu Revisited, won Best World Music Album. This was the group’s fifth Grammy win, the most for any world music group.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has performed for millions of people, singing a message of peace, love, and harmony. With their 2024 release, Soothe My Soul…Songs From Our South African Church, the group puts their own spin on gospel music.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Website 
(Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)