Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu

Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu is a 2008 release by the South African isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It was released on January 22, 2008. The album does not feature collaborations with other artists; it is "simply Ladysmith Black Mambazo at its best", as the Gallo press release for the anticipated release put it. This version is the US issue of the South African release, which was originally released in February 2007.

Songs on the album are primarily moral, but there are some religious compositions for which the group are well known. The title track, "Kuyafundw' Osizini" ("Learning From The Obstacles"), speaks of the obstacles faced by people in their lives. As Joseph Shabalala (the group's founder, lead singer, composer and director) put it, "Don’t worry about the many things that are in your way. If you confront those obstacles and learn from them, you will teach others how to conquer the same kinds of obstacles. There are people who complain about everything, and they want to avoid doing things that are too hard, like school or a job. Those people should stay where they are and learn from their experiences.

Track listing

1. "Ommu Beno Mmu" ("Somebody And Somebody")
2. "Kuyafundw' Osizini" ("Learning From The Obstacles")
3. "Vela Nsizwa" ("Show Yourself, Young Man")
4. "Let's Do It"
5. "Umon' Usuk' Esweni" ("Jealous Eyes")
6. "Sizobalanda" ("We Are Here")
7. "This Is The Way We Do"
8. "Iphel' Emasini" ("A Cockroach In The Milk" - Zulu proverb)
9. "Asekhon' Amatshitshi" ("The Virgins Are Still There")
10. "Hlala Nami" ("Stay With Me")
11. "Prince of Peace"
12. "Iphel' Emasini (Nature Effects)"

References