Joseph Shabalala is a man who has brought gospel music close to the heart of traditional gospel music lovers worldwide and his people in Natal Zulu.
Those who do not know him can easily mistake him for a forty year old man. But Joseph has been playing the gospel music for over forty years now, then one can imagine his age.
He is the founder, leader, composer and writer for the group, Lady Smith Black Mambazo. He calls his type of gospel music "Acapella music". They dance with hands, legs, tapping their feet and sings in the language the people understand.
Joseph was honoured with a life time musical achievement at the Kora Awards four years ago. Apart from collecting the award, Joseph and his group entertained the crowd with their acrobatic dancing steps. For a man over sixty years, it was amazing to watch.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the most well-known African group to the Western world and the best selling group in South Africa. Through their participation in Paul Simon's 1986 "Grace Land" album and 1987 tour , their fame escalated rapidly.
The group was formed by Joseph, family and friends. They got their first recording contract in 1970 and so far has released 28 albums, some of which on "Shanachie" label, which was later released in the United States of America. Now in the band, his children play along side their father.
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