5 Key Facts About Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu was released in 1987 by Warner Bros. Records. It marked the group’s international debut on a major label.

The album won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording in 1988. This was the first Grammy for a South African group.

Paul Simon produced the album. He worked with the group after their collaboration on Graceland.

The title track tells the story of the Zulu king Shaka. It blends traditional isicathamiya singing with modern production.

Shaka Zulu helped introduce South African choral music to a global audience. It remains one of the group’s most celebrated works.