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SOUTH African Imbube Outfit Ladysmith Black Mambazo have won their 5th Grammy Award on Monday.
They set a record but I feel ita��s not normal. I have watched Ladysmith a lot of times and I know they are amazing but are they the best in Africa in whatever terms? I doubt.
In just the past decade I can count to 10 the number of amazing artistes and works that deserved world recognition for breaking borders and boundaries. Talk of Mafikizolo, Wizkid, Diamond Platinumz, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Salif Keita, Youssor Ndour, Davido, P Square and Jah Prayzah to mention a few.
These acts have performed to millions and have received many domestic and international awards. They have produced music that has changed the shape of African Music, possibly forever. I still think Ladysmith are not the best imbube group in Africa.
I appreciate that their rise to fame was through their charismatic leader Joseph Tshabalala as they paved the way for African music. I do though have to say maybe they do deserve some of the Grammy Awards but not all.
Dear Grammy Mafia, South Africa is not the ONLY country in Africa and neither is it the capital of the continent. Let me tell you about a young man in Zimbabwe who has collaborated with pretty much all the big wigs of African music, his music was used to usher in the countrya��s former president.
Mdhara Achauya is an anthem in Zimbabwe as it is in most of Southern Africa. Just last year he released another album Kutonga Kwaro which again is associated with the new political dispensation by many. What more could one want from an amazing artiste with an amazing album?
Tuku has about 62 albums to his name and hea��s been to countries that even he cana��t spell. His music is rich and original Zimbabwean. What is the criteria for best album? Or whata��s your definition of music? Which album has Ladysmith released? What is it called? How come we have not heard of it here?
But tell you what Grammys, I know Davido even though I did not like his music, I know a boy from Tanzania because he is influencing our music. We appreciate Ladysmith has stood the test of time even to a point where the lead man Joseph Tshabalala left, but still his succession plan worked well. The group continues to soldier on.
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Online Reporter