Documentary · South Africa · 2022 · 1h 30m

Music Is My Life: Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Music Is My Life: Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo poster
Director
Mpumi MbeleCarolyn Carew
Cast
Dolly Parton as Self Paul Simon as Self Joseph Shabalala as Self (archival footage) Whoopi Goldberg as Self
Crew
Michael Smith — Director of Photography Andrew Wessels — Editor Khulekani Zondi — Editor Mpumi Mbele — Writer Judy Nwokedi — Producer Thokozile Veronica Shabalala — Producer
Synopsis

The story of Joseph Shabalala, who rose to international fame with his band Ladysmith Black Mambazo after contributing to Paul Simon’s massively successful Graceland album. Bathed in Ladysmith’s powerful music, the documentary covers the full breadth of the singer’s life, from his early years in rural South Africa to the height of Shabalala’s global success to his passing in 2020, at the age of 79.

Trailer Music Is My Life: Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo — Official Trailer
Official Trailer youtube.com
Key Collaborators
Mpumi Mbele Director Carolyn Carew Director Michael Smith Director of Photography Andrew Wessels Editor Khulekani Zondi Editor Mpumi Mbele Writer Judy Nwokedi Producer Thokozile Veronica Shabalala Producer Carolyn Carew Producer
Follow the Thread

Mpumi Mbele directed Music Is My Life: Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Explore their complete filmography and the collaborators who shaped their vision.

Mpumi Mbele's filmography → Carolyn Carew's filmography → More Documentary → Michael Smith's cinematography →
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