The Commonwealth Conversation

Ladysmith Black Mambazo talk about the Commonwealth

The group Ladysmith Black Mambazo represents the traditional culture of South Africa. In a short interview conducted with the RCS as part of the Commonwealth Conversation, Albert Mazibuko told us what the Commonwealth means to him.

Transcript:

Bringing people together through music is an important way of breaking down barriers and uniting people, and I wonder whether you can just expand a little bit on that on the musical side- why you think that’s an important thing to do?

That is very important, because when people come together they can accomplish many things, they can share ideas, improve things, and make this world we are living in a peaceful world. It’s what we believe, because through music we encourage people to stay in peace with one another.

Today we live in a fast-paced world, yet Ladysmith Black Mambazo are strongly focused on Zulu history- just recently celebrating Shaka Zulu in your most recent album. Why do you think it’s important to preserve these local traditions?

I think it’s very important, because it makes people know who they are. If you cherish your culture and all that is surrounding you, you become a better person. When you mention Shaka- Shaka was the person who was uniting people. We were always inspired by his story.

Your music has a strong moral message; you have been outspoken on subjects like fair-trade. Why do you think that’s an important thing that the world, and perhaps even the Commonwealth nations, should be focusing on?

I think they should focus on something like that, as you say; people should not be cruel with one another, and when it comes to trade, they should trade fairly, and this would improve everybody’s lives.

Commonwealth leaders are meeting in a month’s time in Trinidad. If you could say one thing to world and Commonwealth leaders, what would you say?

I would tell them that they should do their best to improve people’s lives.

Category : Climate Change & Environment, Economic Development
Tags: Fairtrade, South Africa
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