Ladysmith Black Mambazo
ListenNomathemba · 1973
Ladysmith Black Mambazo — “Nomathemba,” from Amabutho (1973); official audio.
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1973 · Motella
Nomathemba / Mlaba
When Ladysmith Black Mambazo entered the recording studio, their unaccompanied voices met with doubt. Albert Mazibuko remembered an executive allowing only four songs, convinced that music from the mining hostels would not sell. “Nomathemba” belongs to the recording period that proved him wrong. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0111 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Ladysmith Black Mambazo |
| Release | 1973 · South Africa |
| Label | Motella · MO.397 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | South African issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG+ |
Release history and significance
Mazibuko dated the first sessions to December 1972 and recalled returning in January 1973 to record twelve songs. Their debut album, Amabutho, followed that year. The group had already built an audience through singing competitions and performances; the record carried that reputation into people’s homes. [1]
The voices grew from Joseph Shabalala’s search for a different blend within isicathamiya. Mazibuko remembered joining his cousin in 1969 and learning a demanding new way of singing together. The choir’s polish came from rehearsal and the Saturday-night competitions that sustained the music. [1]
“Nomathemba” and “Mlaba,” both written by Shabalala, appear on this Motella single and on Amabutho. The coupling places two pieces from the group’s first album period together on a South African seven-inch. [2] [3]
Market context
Discogs records US$25.00 as the low, median and high sale figure for Motella MO.397, with the latest listed sale dated 3 May 2026, as consulted on 14 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
South African black-vinyl seven-inch with Motella labels, supplied in a company sleeve. The label describes the performance as Zulu male vocal and credits African Music Publishers. “Nomathemba” is listed at 2:52 and “Mlaba” at 2:40. [2]
Condition
The disc was graded Very Good Plus at acquisition and supplied in a company sleeve.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller scarcesounds (Ross Laird) on 2 May 2026.
Sources
- Devorah E. Hill, Ladysmith Black Mambazo — The Voice of a Nation, The Artists Forum. 17 February 2016. Interview with Albert Mazibuko on the first sessions and the group’s beginnings.
- Discogs, Ladysmith Black Mambazo — Nomathemba / Mlaba, release 35068850. Edition reference and sales figures consulted 14 September 2026.
- Flatinternational, Ladysmith Black Mambazo — Amabutho. Original Motella LP, track list and sleeve documentation.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.