Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Why Am I Smiling?

My daughter Jeni featured the "African Alphabet" on her blog from The Muppet Show. It featured Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

It brought back so many memories that I searched and found this video of Ladysmith with Paul Simon from a concert given in Zimbabwe in 1987.

Ladysmith rose to worldwide prominence as a result of singing with Paul Simon on his album, Graceland, before the end of Apartheid.

Apartheid in South Africa was not abolished until 1991. The release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years imprisonment brought a celebratory album release from Ladysmith Black Mambazo - 1993's Liph' Iqiniso. The last track, "Isikifil' Inkululeko" ("Freedom Has Arrived"), is a celebration of the end of Apartheid.

I had a missionary companion from South Africa when I served in Scotland in 1966-68. I had many discussions with him about their culture. I was aware of his feelings and it was interesting to follow the cultural breakthroughs that continue today.

This song makes me happy! Click on the link and ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OafqYNCzq5U

5 comments:

Jeni said...

oh...don't you just love Ladysmith Black Mambazo...soooooo goood!

aLi said...

cool.

Can I put in a request for pictures of Caroline?

Jeni said...

I'd like to second ali's request...geeez she must be walking by now...

G'pa and G'ma Woody said...

I'll see what I can do.

G'pa and G'ma Woody said...

Yay, you posted for us!!! I can't wait to see the video! love, Jane