The English Lesson 26 theme is LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Part One: Learn English Skills

Read the following text and answer the questions that follow:

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is one of the most well-known African musical groups. Although they were introduced to the rest of the world on Paul Simon's famous "Graceland" album, the group has been singing together for almost forty years.

During the 1960s, a young man called Joseph Shabalala dreamt of children singing beautifully. He wanted to make the music of his dreams, so he formed Ladysmith Black Mambazo and taught the group the harmonies he dreamt about.

The group is a male Zulu choir made up of Joseph, his brothers, cousins and close friends. They sing in a traditional style called isicathamiya (pronounced is-cot-a-me-ya) which is accompanied by gentle, choreographed dance steps.

The singing and dancing styles originated in the South African mines. After a six-day week, black workers would entertain themselves by dancing and singing into the early hours every Sunday morning. When the miners returned to their homelands, the tradition came with them. Singing and dancing competitions were soon held throughout Zululand.

Shortly after the group was formed, Ladysmith Black Mambazo began taking part in these competitions and were soon winning every contest they entered. This success contributed to their name. "Ladysmith" is the hometown of Joseph Shabalala’s family, and "Black" refers to black oxen, regarded as the strongest on the farm. "Mambazo", a Zulu word, refers to an axe, which symbolised their ability to "chop down" their competitors. The group were so good that after a while they were not allowed to enter the competitions.

They became well known throughout South Africa, but it was only after appearing on "Graceland" that Joseph and Ladysmith Black Mambazo became household names. Since then they have sung at many special occasions including two Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies and South African Presidential inaugurations. Nelson Mandela, who is one of their greatest fans, has called them South Africa's cultural ambassadors to the world.

Your Turn

What is the name of the album that introduced Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the world?
Why did Joseph form Ladysmith Black Mambazo?
Where did the isicathamiya singing style originate?
What does "Mambazo" mean in Zulu?
What has Nelson Mandela called the group?
Genius Question: What word in the text means the same as "representatives"?

Part Two: Learn English Structure

LISTEN and HEAR

HEAR is the normal word to say that a sound "comes to our ears".

The OWLS student HEARS the Ladysmith Black Mambazo song on the radio.
Suddenly I HEARD a loud bang.

When we want to say that we are hearing something at the moment, we use CAN HEAR.

I CAN HEAR somebody coming. (NOT: I am HEARING somebody coming).

When we talk about trying to hear as well as possible, we use LISTEN or LISTEN TO. These words are also used when talking about concentrating or paying attention to hear something.

LISTEN carefully to the OWLS teacher or you will miss important information.

The following sentence will help you to compare the different meanings of the two words.

I HEARD them talking in the next room, but I didn’t really LISTEN to what they said. (There were voices coming from the next room but I didn’t pay attention to what they were saying.)
We use LISTEN when there is no object in a sentence.
Listen! (NOT: Listen TO!)

When there is an object in a sentence, we use LISTEN TO.

Listen TO me! (NOT: Listen me!)

Your Turn

Did you _______ the loud explosion?
"_______ carefully please," said the teacher.
"Could you speak a bit louder?" replied the student. "I can’t______ you very well."
Did you ______ that Ladysmith Black Mambazo was nominated for a Grammy award?
When the group sings you must ________to their words.

Part Three: Funnies

Q. What did the banjo player get on his IQ test?
A. Drool.

Q. What do you get when you throw a harmonica off a tall building?
A. Applause.

Q. What's the difference between an accordion and an onion?
A. You usually cry when you chop up an onion.

Part Four: Quotations

Without music, life is a journey through a desert. - Pat Conroy

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent. - Victor Hugo

Music is to me the perfect expression of the soul. - Robert Schumann

Part Six: Links

The official Ladysmith Black Mambazo website is filled with a lot of interesting features ranging from a band biography to Zulu lessons. There is also a link to a site about Ladysmith, the group’s hometown.

http://www.mambazo.com

Answers

Answers to Part One

"Graceland" is the album that introduced Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the world.
Joseph wanted to make the music he heard in his dreams.
The isicathamiya singing style (and the dancing that accompanies it) originated in the mines of South Africa.
"Mambazo" means "axe" in Zulu.
Nelson Mandela has called the group South Africa's cultural ambassadors to the world.
"ambassadors"