Grammy Awards winner, Ladysmith Mambazo, will lead many artistes billed to perform at the 2015 edition of the All Africa Music Awards on November 15 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
Mambazo is arguably the most decorated male group in Africa, having won multiple awards that include four Grammys in 1988, 2004, 2009 and 2013.
Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, members of the group have been singing together since the early 1950s.
However, it was Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s collaboration with Paul Simon in 1986 for the ‘Graceland’ album that brought it international acclaim.
Confirming their performance at AFRIMA, the band’s manager, Majozi Zolisile, stated: “AFRIMA 2015 will be staged in November, which coincidentally is the month for Mambazo’s 55th anniversary. It will be amazing and electrifying to perform on a big stage like AFRIMA.”
Other artistes billed to perform at the award include Yemi Alade and her Cameroonian counterpart, Charlotte Dipanda, an Afro pop singer, who has worked with Congolese singer, Papa Wemba, and provided background vocals for Manu Dibango, Rokia Traore and Axelle Red, will also grace the AFRIMA stage.
“Diamond Platnumz, a Bongo Flava recording artiste and dancer from Tanzania, and Olamide will set the stage on fire,” the organisers added.
Other artistes and nominees that have confirmed attendance from Eastern Africa include Vanessa Mdee, Bebe Cool, Tsedenia, Alikiba, H_Art the Band, Dr. Jose Chameleone.