Induku Zethu Explained

Induku Zethu
Type:studio
Artist:Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Cover:Induku Zethu.jpg
Released:March 3, 1983
Recorded:1983
Genre:Isicathamiya
Length:35:00 approx.
Label:Gallo Record Company
Producer:West Nkosi
Prev Title:Umthombo Wamanzi
Prev Year:1982
Next Title:Ibhayibheli Liyindlela
Next Year:1984

Induku Zethu is an album by the South African isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.[1] The album (#BL 393) shows the group on the front cover photograph wearing traditional Zulu attire, with lead singer and founder Joseph Shabalala out front brandishing a spear (the album's title translated into English is "Our Fighting Sticks"). The album was released in 1983, and reissued internationally in 1984 by Shanachie Records.

Critical reception

Robert Christgau called the album "serious, intricate, droll, eerie, precisely rehearsed, and very beautiful." The Los Angeles Times wrote that "the octet's rich vocal blend focuses on deep unison harmonies that soothe more than evoke the call-and-response release of American gospel."[2]

Track listing

  1. "Mangosuthu"
  2. "Induku Zethu" (Our Fighting Sticks)
  3. "Vukani" (Wake Up)
  4. "Kubi Ukungalaleli"
  5. "Ithemba Lakho" (Your Hope)
  6. "Isono Sami Sentombi"
  7. "Ingwe Idla Ngamabala" (A Leopard Is Recognisable By Its Spots)
  8. "Umzalwane" (Brother)
  9. "Ifa Lobukhosana"
  10. "Wayibamba Mfana"
  11. "Watatazela" (You're In A Hurry)
  12. "Bakhuphuk' Izwe Lonke" (They Went Up To The Country)

Notes and References

  1. News: Quill . Greg . Graceland guide to music of Soweto . Toronto Star . 19 June 1987 . D3.
  2. News: Snowden . Don . AFRICA'S MBAQANGA: SONG OF THE SOUTH . Los Angeles Times . 23 Feb 1986 . Calendar . 64.