Displaying items by tag: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Heart warming musicals aren’t exactly what Steppenwolf Theatre is known for. While not an outright musical, ‘Lindiwe’ is a new play with live music in collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Co-directed by Jonathan Berry and playwright Eric Simonson, this marks the second time Steppenwolf has worked with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

‘Lindiwe’ is a modern fable of two star-crossed musicians Lindiwe (Nondumiso Tembe) and Adam (Erik Hellman). The story is told in a fourth wall-breaking, casual tone by Lindiwe, a South African singer touring the US with Mambazo. Her life changes when she meets American drummer Adam one evening at the historic Kingston Mines blues club here in Chicago. Their affair is passionate and when Lindiwe gets deported by back to Durban, South Africa, Adam joins her. After a car crash, the pair finds themselves in a fantastical limbo with spiritual keeper played by Yasen Peyankov. In order to join the land of the living, the two must re-tell the events leading up to the tragic car crash.

‘Lindiwe’ honors the tradition of oral storytelling through a riff on Eurydice and other tales. The fable aspects of the story lend itself well to the Greek chorus role taken up by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Few members of the singing group have stand-out spoken dialogue but, instead provide a musical through-line for the play that heightens the emotions. Not to mention, the harmonies and irregular rhythms created by the group sound incredible.

Fantasy can be hard to relate to for some audiences, but ‘Lindiwe’ offers deeply human themes on love and loss. Nondumiso Tembe is captivating in the titular role in both voice and performance. From the moment she appears on stage you can’t take your eyes off her. She has an undeniable charm and a contagious quality to her smile. The on-stage romance between her and Erik Hellman is endearing even as it turns tragic. Though their circumstances are cloaked in fantastical elements, there’s truth in their love story. Combined with music and dancing, all makes for a pleasing evening.

Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D Shapiro remarks in her playbill note that theatre is ephemeral. And when considering whether this play could be reproduced elsewhere, it would seem like a longshot. This play was commissioned by Steppenwolf and through music and plot, ties the Chicago blues scene to sister city Durban, where Ladysmith Black Mambazo resides. ‘Lindiwe’ is a unique opportunity to see the iconic world music group perform with the Steppenwolf ensemble. It’s one of those special Chicago productions that would be tough to accurately describe its beauty to anyone who wasn’t there for it.

Through January 5th at Steppenwolf Theatre. 1650 N Halsted St. 312-335-1650

It is rare indeed when one goes to see a concert featuring a total of fifteen musicians, yet only one instrument is played all night.  This is what you would’ve been in for if you caught the mutualistic pairing of Sweet Honey In The Rock with Ladysmith Black Mambazo this past Monday at Ravinia.  Both a cappella groups have been around for over 40 years and show no signs of slowing down, though they have rearranged their membership occasionally.  Together on this balmy night in Highland Park, they put on a moving and impressive show...their blending voices as refreshing as the evening breeze.

Experiencing Sweet Honey In The Rock is like having four female Bobby McFerrins on stage at the same time.  Whether scatting drum beats, mimicking horn blasts, or singing soaring leads, each member contributed equally in creating a big sound full of dense gospel harmonies.  Their fifth member is longtime sign language interpreter, Shirley Childress, who signed and gyrated with gusto, even trading licks with the only instrumentalist of the night, bassist Romeir Mendez. Their original songs featured poignant tales about civil rights and injustice, honing in on recent killings in the news, then they would follow up with uplifting call-and-response chants of peace and love.  At times, it got a little awkward due to the lack of the audience’s willingness to sing out on the touchy topics, but things relaxed when they treated us to a stirring cover of jazz standard and Nina Simone hit, “Feeling Good.”  While the heavy repertoire and bass solos may have been too much for some, these “Honeys” are still a force to be reckoned with.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s sound is immediately recognizable and one-of-a-kind.  This nine-piece, all-male vocal group has been around since the late 60’s, making their biggest splash backing Paul Simon on his seminal Graceland album in 1986.  Featuring traditional South African Zulu lyrics, rhythms and harmonies, the depth and power of their music can make your hair stand on end, as mine did often that night.  Quaking low drones blended seamlessly with pitch-perfect falsettos, at times accented by intricate bird calls and the tell-tale clicks of the Zulu language.  Like Sweet Honey, their songs switched from serious issues such as apartheid to more joyous stories of young love and discovery.  In addition to the incredible music, I was equally impressed by their synchronized and athletic dance routines.  All the members, including one who joined back in 1969, were doing repeated head-high leg kicks that would make the Rockettes proud, singing all the while.  This was all rounded out by their charming stories and cheeky banter in between songs.  It was obvious that these men were truly enjoying themselves onstage and their enthusiasm was infectious.  As I circled the grounds numerous times trying to stroll my three-year-old to sleep, I saw nothing but smiles all around.  For those, like me, who were not familiar with their music outside of Graceland, this had no bearing once each song began.  Despite the language barrier, a short synopsis in English before each song from alternating members was enough to let your imagination fill in the blanks.  The biggest treat of the night was probably when we got to hear “Homeless” from Graceland, penned by Paul Simon and LBM’s founder, Joseph Shabalala. They ended their set with a counting of their blessings as a group and a heartfelt thank you to the audience and their supporters.  It was a fitting end to a wonderful concert.  Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a class act and international treasure that is a must for any musical bucket list.