3 South African Artists Who Shaped the Sound of Graceland

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Their vocal harmonies and isicathamiya style gave the album its distinctive choral sound, most notably on “Homeless.”

The Boyoyo Boys This mbaqanga band provided the instrumental foundation for “Graceland,” contributing to its upbeat, danceable rhythm.

Ray Phiri The guitarist and his band, Stimela, brought a soulful, jazz-influenced guitar style that anchored tracks like “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.”