Induku Zethu is an album by the South African isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.[3][5] The album (#BL 393) shows the group on the front cover photograph wearing traditional Zulu attire, with lead singer and founder Joseph Shabalala out front brandishing a spear (the album's title translated into English is "Our Fighting Sticks"). The album was released in 1983, and reissued internationally in 1984 by Shanachie Records.[4]

Induku Zethu
Studio album by
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
ReleasedMarch 3, 1983
Recorded1983
GenreIsicathamiya
Length35:00 approx.
LabelGallo Record Company
ProducerWest Nkosi
Ladysmith Black Mambazo chronology
Umthombo Wamanzi
(1982)
Induku Zethu
(1983)
Ibhayibheli Liyindlela
(1984)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Robert ChristgauA−[2]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music[3]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[4]

Critical reception

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Robert Christgau called the album "serious, intricate, droll, eerie, precisely rehearsed, and very beautiful."[2] The Los Angeles Times wrote that "the octet's rich vocal blend focuses on deep unison harmonies that soothe more than evoke the call-and-response release of American gospel."[6]

Track listing

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  1. "Mangosuthu"
  2. "Induku Zethu" (Our Fighting Sticks)
  3. "Vukani" (Wake Up)
  4. "Kubi Ukungalaleli"
  5. "Ithemba Lakho" (Your Hope)
  6. "Isono Sami Sentombi"
  7. "Ingwe Idla Ngamabala" (A Leopard Is Recognisable By Its Spots)
  8. "Umzalwane" (Brother)
  9. "Ifa Lobukhosana"
  10. "Wayibamba Mfana"
  11. "Watatazela" (You're In A Hurry)
  12. "Bakhuphuk' Izwe Lonke" (They Went Up To The Country)

References

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  1. ^ "Induku Kethu - Ladysmith Black Mambazo | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  2. ^ a b "Robert Christgau: Album: Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Induku Zethu". www.robertchristgau.com.
  3. ^ a b Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 5. MUZE. p. 62.
  4. ^ a b The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Random House. 1992. p. 411.
  5. ^ Quill, Greg (19 June 1987). "Graceland guide to music of Soweto". Toronto Star. p. D3.
  6. ^ Snowden, Don (23 February 1986). "AFRICA'S MBAQANGA: SONG OF THE SOUTH". Los Angeles Times. Calendar. p. 64.