One thing I took away from this wonderful concert was that supporters of the South African team (competing on home turf in next year's FIFA World Cup competition) will be a whole lot more tuneful than anyone else when it comes to the big kick-off next summer..
During the performance the audience was led in a soccer song of great complexity which, it was claimed by one member of the group, would guarantee victory for England, if only our supporters can manage to crack it.
The enthusiastic Oxford audience rose to the challenge – but I can't say that I could repeat the song now if my life depended on it. Shame, as it would definitely upstage any other chant from the terraces.
This was just one highlight of a brilliant display of the power of the unaccompanied human voice.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been performing for more than 40 years – but gained widespread fame after Paul Simon signed them up to perform on his Graceland album released in 1986. Since then, Ladysmith have toured the world, won three Grammy awards and released many best-selling albums.
Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960 the group now features four of his sons ‑ Thamsanqa, Msizi, Thulani, and Sibongiseni, who first joined the group in 1993, moving up from Ladysmith Black Mambazo's junior choir, Mshengu White Mambazo.
They all got a chance to showcase their vocal and considerable physical talents during the show. If anyone tells you that you can't sing and dance – get them to come and see Ladysmith. It left me – but not the members of the group who leapt and high-kicked their way around the stage – quite breathless.
It appears as if Joseph may be ready to hand over the reins to his sons, as he allowed them to take centre stage on several ocassions, and refered to them as the "future of Ladysmith Black Mambazo."
In the meantime those of you who catch the group on this UK tour can still enjoy Joseph's distinctive vocals ‑ showcased perfectly in a showstopping version of Homeless.
Uplifting and joyous, Ladysmith Black Mambazo must be on everyone's 'must see' list.
Finally, I must mention Netsayi, who bravely opened the show with an acapella number. She mixes influences from her Zimbabwean roots with contemporary pop and folk and has an easy stage presence. A singer/songwriter to watch.
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