It has been nominated not once- but twice for the prestigious Grammy Awards nominations.
LBM has been nominated in the Best World Music Album category for their album Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration. The album is a reworked version of the group’s 1988 Grammy award-winning Best Traditional Folk Album and Best Children’s Album for Songs Of Peace & Love For Kids & Parents Around The World.
The 60th awards ceremony will be held on January 28‚ 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
When contacted for a comment‚ the group’s founder ubaba Joseph Tshabalala was completely overwhelmed by the news.
“Thank you so much. We are so grateful for the love‚ that people love the music,” says ubaba Shabalala, who has now taken a back-seat from the limelight due to age and sickness.
Joseph’s grandson‚ Siyabonga Shabalala continued on his behalf‚ saying that they were grateful to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation.
“It is such an honour and every time we get such recognition we are filled with so much joy. It’s always a great feeling to know that our music keeps rising the South African flag in the world. It is so prestigious‚ we can hardly speak.”
The late SA first democratically elected State President Dr Rolihlahla Mandela was the group’s favourite fan, in that when time allowed he would sneak in for a show or two. He should be smiling at his celestial view upon hearing these news.
LBM was formed in 1960 by ubaba Shabalala and later became one of South Africa’s most prolific recording artists, with their releases receiving gold and platinum disc honours.
The group has since become a mobile academy, teaching people about South Africa and its culture.
Between 1985/86, they collaborated with Paul Simon for his Graceland tour and produced top selling classics such as ‘Homeless’ and ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ and ‘You Can Call Me Al’.
The male only group are mostly relatives (mostly brothers and cousins) of ubaba Shabalala.
The group has bagged four Grammys with the last being in 2013.
We say bring it home…
