Showing @ Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 09 Aug @ 20:00
Though performing the world première of Inala has snatched all the headlines, Ladysmith Black Mambazo make their first appearance at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival solo, doing what they do best. A one-off concert displaying more than half a century’s close-harmony experience is a joy to experience – an occasion when reviewing feels like more of a treat than a task.
Despite the imposing size of the Playhouse, there’s a sharp sense of intimacy, helped along by the fact that we are introduced to all nine members of the group over the course of the performance. Some characters loom larger than others, with founder Joseph Shabalala’s children and grandchild taking a more central role; but all voices are given their day in the sun.
The singing is as gorgeous as ever; husky, honeyed and raw. Peace and tolerance dominate as themes, and the slower songs in particular act as a balm for depressing current events. The exact lyrics are beyond those who don’t speak a variety of South African languages, but the sentiment is impossible to miss.
Whereas the sound is expected, the amount of movement on display is a bonus treat. The dancing ranges from jokey hand gestures to back-flips, high kicks and boy-band-style co-ordination. Nothing is stiff, nothing looks awkward – every move, no matter how simple or silly, is fluid, unpretentious and brilliant. Much like the whole evening.
Showing as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2014