Ladysmith Black Mambazo in Ottawa Jazz Benefit Concert & Social
“If you can figure out how to pack more entertainment into two hours than Ladysmith Black Mambazo, using nothing more high-tech than the power of the human voice, and some microphones, well, I’m all ears.” – Pittsburgh Tribune!
The 44th Ottawa Jazz Festival is a little more than 4 months away. To lighten our hearts and souls after the long, dark, cold months, the Festival is delighted to present the fabled Ladysmith Black Mambazo in a Benefit Concert & Social on April 3, 2024, 6:30pm at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (355 Cooper St. on the corner of Cooper and O’Connor Streets). For 60 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter. Paul Simon’s 1987 Graceland album introduced the iconic group to the world. “It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their [Ladysmith Black Mambazo] singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” – Paul Simon
Founded by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, the three elements of the group’s name comes from the founder’s hometown of Ladysmith, the black ox (considered to be the strongest farm animal), and mambazo, which means axe in Zulu (symbolic of the choir’s ability to “chop down” the competition) – Wikipedia. The late former South African President Nelson Mandela designated the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” a title the members carry with them with the highest honour.
“Undulating rhythmic phrases that push and pull … harmonizing that is both ethereal and earthy.” – World Music, UK
Ladysmith Black Mambazo has performed for millions of people, singing a message of peace, love and harmony. With their 2024 release, Soothe My Soul…Songs From Our South African Church, the group puts their own spin on gospel music.
The Social includes complimentary canapés, a cash bar and mystery martinis with exciting gift items! Mystery Martini packages may contain anything from restaurant vouchers, gift baskets, trips, spa & salon outings, merchandise, adventure packages and so much more. You just never know, it’s a special mystery – just for you!
Doors open & Social at 6:30pm
Benefit Concert at 8pm
Reserved seating: $105
General Admission: $75
Includes a $50 tax receipt, issued after the event.
* All proceeds raised from this event will support the Ottawa Jazz Festival. As a not-for-profit charitable organization, the Festival curates the Jazz Youth Summit and several timely series, programs local artists in free shows and presents significant Canadian and international artists in the Nation’s Capital.