Wharton Center is no stranger to hosting internationally-acclaimed performers, and tonight will not be an exception. At 7:30 p.m., the a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo will return to Wharton Center where they will combine their native South African musical traditions with traditional Christian gospel music.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been performing for more than 50 years, with their music reaching the ears of people all around the world. They have performed for the Queen of England, at two Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, at a concert for Pope John Paul II, at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and have shared stages with Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and many others.
They have provided music for Disney’s “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” soundtrack and have been nominated for multiple Grammy awards. They also have recorded with artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton and Sarah McLachlan and their film work includes a featured appearance in Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalker” video.
The group currently is working on six new recording projects, a new concert DVD and a children’s project.
Joseph Shabalala is the leader of the group, and started the group in the early 1960s in Durban, South Africa. At the time, their voices were so polished and full of talent they were banned from competing in South Africa, although they were permitted to perform strictly as entertainers, said Bob Hoffman, the public relations manager at Wharton Center.
“It’s really special that we get world-class performers (at MSU) that are amazing and we get to see them here at Wharton Center,” Hoffman said. “They just performed for the Queen of England and now they are here in East Lansing.”
Ladysmith Black Mambazo currently is touring much of the U.S., their last stop in Alaska. They performed at Wharton Center in 2007 and the show was nearly sold out.
Tickets still are available and can be purchased at Wharton Center’s website, by visiting the Wharton Center box office or by calling 1-800-WHARTON. For students and youth, tickets are available for $15. Regular tickets range between $28-$41. A preview lecture will take place 45-minutes prior to the show in the Stoddard Grand Tier Lounge.
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