If you love world music, or more specifically, the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, you are sure to love this academy award nominated documentary. Directed by Eric Simonson and spanning three continents, ON TIP TOE follows the captivating story of South African musician Joseph Shabalala and his unique singing ensemble. Best known on these shores for their innovative support on Paul Simon's Grammy-winning album, Graceland, Mambazo has crafted an extraordinary hybrid of traditional Zulu harmonies and unconventional Western influences, including gospel, ragtime, doo wop and even rock 'n roll. Made up of seven bass voices, a tenor, a male alto and Shabalala as lead vocalist, Mambazo amazingly incorporates the light, syncopated stomping of "Isicathamiya"(meaning "on tip toe"), a style born theough the strains of apartheid. This entertaining and informative documentary traces the fascinating origins of Shabalala's tuneful creations, featuring interviews with Paul Simon and extensive live footage of Mambazo's performances. |
