Busi Mhlongo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo

In June 2009, internationally-renowned sculptor Andries Botha began work on Nomkhubulwane. This elephant matriarch was named after the Zulu Goddess regarded as Mother Earth. Her name means “she who chooses the state of an animal”. Four months later Busi Mhlongo, the Queen of modern Zulu music, performed what was to be her last concert at the Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown. Amongst the audience were Andries Botha and John Charter of the Human Elephant Foundation. She appeared, they say, "like a wounded baby elephant". They were profoundly moved by her performance. The decision was taken by the Foundation to fund recordings at the KZN Music House in December 2009. They would be produced by Will Mowat, with whom she had last worked on her multi award-winning release "UrbanZulu". Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the African continent's greatest musical ambassadors, would join her for a collaboration that would fulfil Busi's long-held dream of working with them. It was to be the last time Busi Mhlongo sang. Opening song: Amagugu by Busi Mhlongo and Steve Dyer, featuring Busi Mhlongo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo Main song: Unomkhubulwane by Busi Mhlongo and Robert 'Doc' Mathalane, featuring Busi Mhlongo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo Backing vocals: Ingrid Thobekile Webster, Julie Payne, Verna Francis, Damel Carayol, Guitars, ukulele: John Parracelli, Double-bass: Frazer Snell, Drums, percussion: Chris Wells, Keyboards: Will Mowat, Audio engineers: Richard Mitchell (KZN Music House, Durban), Nick Trepka (Cowshed, London), Peter Dudley (Music Box 3, London), Project facilitated by Neil Comfort in Durban, Produced by Will Mowat. Video produced, directed and edited by Michael Cross, Rogue Productions, Durban.

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