How many people know what the name of this Grammy Award-winning vocal group from South Africa means? Just in case you weren’t aware, Ladysmith is the name of the hometown of the group’s founder, Joseph Shabalala. In this context, Black is a reference to oxen, that powerful farm animal, while Mambazo is the Zulu word for axe — symbolizing the group’s potential for “chopping down” any rival who sings and might challenge them. On their new album, the collective does its “chopping” inspired by the spirit of Shaka Zulu, singing about politics, obstacles and success, among other subjects. – forrest green III



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