Mbube is a form of South African vocal music, made famous by the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The word mbube means "lion" in Zulu. Traditionally performed a cappella, the members of the group are male although a few groups have a female singer. In this form, groups of voices singing homophonically in rhythmic unison are employed to create intricate harmonies and textures.
Solomon Linda
Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 2008 in Innsbruck, Austria
Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds 1941
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choral group singing in the local vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. They became known internationally after singing with American Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland. They have since won multiple awards, including five Grammy Awards the fifth of which they dedicated to the late former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing at The Queen's Birthday Party in 2018
Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing in 2006 at the Ravinia Festival, Illinois
Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 2008 in Innsbruck, Austria