Ladysmith Black Mambazo Share Story Behind One Voice One World

Following the release of their new album One Voice One World, Ladysmith Black Mambazo continue to celebrate unity, culture, and collaboration. The album adds to their long history in both South African and global music.

The group also recently won big at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026, taking home three major awards: the Global Icon Award, Best African Pop, and Best Collaboration. This shows that their music still connects with people across different generations.

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In an interview with OkMzansi Magazine, the group spoke about their new album.

1. The commemoration of Joseph Bhekizizwe Shabalala highlights his lasting influence—how does his legacy continue to shape your music today?

The commemoration of Joseph Bhekizizwe Shabalala reminds us of how much he shaped our music and our purpose. His legacy continues to guide our sound and spirit. He inspires us to respect our roots while also reaching new audiences around the world. His vision focused on harmony, pride in our culture, and unity, and we still follow that today.

2. Your new album One Voice One World centers on unity and shared musical expression. What inspired this theme at this stage of your journey?

Our new album, One Voice One World, focuses on unity and shared music. At this point in our journey, we feel that global connection is more important than ever. We were inspired by the challenges people are facing around the world and saw how music can bring people together, no matter their language or background.

3. How did the collaboration with Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza come about, and what did they bring to the project creatively?

Working with Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza came from mutual respect and a shared passion for music. Nduduzo brought fresh jazz ideas, while Mbuso added strong and rich vocals. They helped us build on our traditional isicathamiya sound and explore new creative directions.

4. The album blends traditional isicathamiya with contemporary influences—how do you strike that balance while preserving cultural authenticity?

We carefully balance tradition and modern sounds. We stay true to the values and techniques taught by Joseph, while also including new ideas to keep our music fresh and relevant. This helps us respect our past while still growing as artists.

5. Winning three awards at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 is a major achievement. What do these accolades mean to the group at this point in your career?

Winning these three awards is a big moment for us. It shows that our hard work is appreciated. It also motivates us to keep improving and pushing our music further. We feel proud but also inspired to do even more.

6. The Global Icon Award recognizes your international impact—how has your global journey influenced your sound and message over the years?

The Global Icon Award is a great honour. Our journey around the world has exposed us to many different cultures, which has helped shape our music and message. It has also reminded us how important it is to share South African culture with the world.

7. Collaboration seems central to this album. Why is working with other artists important to Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s evolution?

Collaboration is very important to us. Working with other artists helps us grow and keeps our music exciting. It also supports the album’s message of unity. These partnerships help us stay connected to today’s music while respecting our traditions.

8. What message do you hope listeners take away from One Voice One World?

We hope people take away a message of unity, strength, and shared humanity. One Voice One World encourages people to come together, celebrate differences, and connect through music.

9. Looking back on your journey, how has the group evolved since its early days while staying true to its roots?

We have grown a lot over the years, but we have never forgotten where we come from. Our commitment to isicathamiya and the values Joseph taught us remains strong. At the same time, we continue to explore new ideas and reach more people around the world.

10. As you continue to build on this legacy, what’s next for Ladysmith Black Mambazo in terms of new music and global outreach?

We are excited about what lies ahead. We plan to keep making new music and connecting with audiences across the world through tours, collaborations, and cultural exchanges.