Local artist Jeremy Loops collaborates with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
A lovely and local get-together has led to a lekker South African hit.
Who does not love a great South African collaboration? Well, here we have the amazing Jeremy Loops in collaboration with South Africa's biggest group - Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
As one of the most iconic vocal groups in the world, Ladysmith Black Mambazo formed in the 60’s to create traditional worldmusic with energetic, uniquely spirited harmonies.
Throughout their celebrated career, the group have won five Grammy awards and claimed seventeen nominations for music that honours their proud heritage.
So how does Jeremy Loops fit in?
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Jeremy Loops’ special bond with the group formed from an upbringing that brimmed with musical curiosity and included 'Graceland', the Paul Simon album that was inspired by and widely features Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
His first experience of the astounding vocal power in Ladysmith Black Mambazo ended in tears for the young creative, who was left in complete awe.
As a self-taught musician, Jeremy’s South African background was filled with sunshine-soaked melodies, a love for surfing, and constant Bob Dylan-esque experimentation.
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When he’s not writing or singing, Jeremy finds inspiration in environmentally-leaning work such as his co-founded eco-initiative, Greenpop.
A much-loved household name in his home
country, Jeremy’s mountain of successes include collaborations with
world-renowned acts like Ed Sheeran, Simone Felice (The
Lumineers), Jake Gosling (Shawn Mendes), Tobias Kuhn (Milky
Chance), and Carey Willets (Dermot Kennedy).
You can listen to the amazing collab here:
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In preliminary discussions with Jeremy, Ladysmith Black Mambazo felt the song This Town was perfect as it was. Still, their leader S’bong Shabalala went on to say, “anything else for me would ruin the song but then I thought, it’s his song, if he wants us to mess it up, we will!”
Immediately, This Town sees this affectionate, easy-going relationship between Jeremy and the group play out. Clearly, Jeremy’s familiarity with Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s rich, rhythmic work matched with his captivating, exuberant personality has led to a heart-warming collaboration with a message.
This Town intentionally injects pure hope and bravery into the listener, and bursts with an addictive energy that’s laced into the spirit of the song. The poignant Zulu chant reiterates the integral nature of community and passion that both artists stand for, ‘my life is music, and music is my life’.
It is definitely one of those you want to enjoy with family and friends.
You can pre-order Jeremy Loops’ 'Souvenirs' EP here.
Main Image Courtesy: Supplied