Ladysmith Black Mambazo - On Tip Toe
by Eric Simonson

List Price: $19.95
Our Price: $7.49
You Save: $12.46 (62%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $4.95 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD details

DVD details

• A joyously moving tribute to the World Music super group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Academy Award® Nominee ON TIP TOE is as uplifting and ultimately inspiring as their culture-bridging performances themselves. Warmly directed by Eric Simonson and spanning three continents, ON TIP TOE follows the captivating story of South African musician Joseph Shabalala and his unique singing group. Best k

DVD Reviews of Ladysmith Black Mambazo - On Tip Toe

DVD Review: Song of Jacob Zulu?
Summary: 3 Stars

Description of Ladysmith Black Mambazo - On Tip Toe

Joseph Shabalala, the onomatopoeically named leader of the group, traces the formation of Mambazo back to 1964, when as he says, this style of singing came to him "like dreaming at night." He combined the musical and dance traditions of the Zulu people with an amazing range of outside influences (courtesy of the spread of American pop music via radio), including ragtime, doo-wop, jazz, blues, and even cowboy yodeling. Perhaps the most fascinating scenes feature a South African singing competition that has occurred every Saturday night for almost a century. This is where Mambazo got their start, competing all night long against other male enembles. While they're no longer allowed to compete, Mambazo still attends and holds the weekly event close to their hearts.

It's unclear why the DVD includes another version in addition to the Oscar-nominated version (the latter of which is better edited, yet relegated to the Extras section). In fact, viewers are encouraged to view the extras rather than the main event on this DVD--the interview with director Eric Simonson and the extended footage of the singing competitions are both lively and well worth a look (and more importantly, a listen). --Brangien Davis

International Music CDs

• Music > Styles