Ladysmith Black Mambazo: On Tip Toe

Eric Simonson's Oscar-nominated documentary is both a valentine to South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and an examination of their music's role within the anti-apartheid movement.

In 1964, Joseph Shabalala felt compelled to perpetuate the multi-part music of his tribesmen. Based on Zulu harmonies, the evolving sound and the accompanying performance style called isicathamiya ("on tip toe") — in which men push their voices into their upper ranges — had their roots in native ceremonies. Some 100 years ago earlier, "tip toe" developed when many rural villagers moved to urban areas in search of work; with their wives and girlfriend...