And they have played in front of former President Mandela many times before. During the Apartheid years they defied the economic and cultural boycott of South Africa and continued to perform internationally. Despite this, they remain adamant that they are not political people. Founder member, Joseph Shabalala hopes that Ladysmith s music will bring a message of peace to everyone. His son Thulani says music can be an important ingredient towards social change.
Music can be a powerful force for peace and reconciliation, as is happening in South Africa today.
The message behind the music is very important. We try to encourage peace we want to create a rainbow nation. I hope that one day people will look past skin colour and try and work together , he says.