A radio broadcast in 1970 brought about their first record contract. Since then the group has recorded over forty albums, selling over seven million records at home and abroad, establishing themselves as the number one selling group from Africa.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been nominated for a Grammy 12 times and won it three times: most recently in 2009 for their new album „Ilembe“ (“Best Traditional World Music CD”).
Their work with Paul Simon on the "Graceland" album attracted a world of fans that never knew that the sounds of Zulu harmony could be so captivating. The album sold over 14 million times. One of the hits of the album was the Mambazo song “Homeless”. 
The group has recorded with numerous artists from around the world besides Paul Simon (e.g. Stevie Wonder). Their film work includes a featured appearance in Michael Jackson's video "Moonwalker" and Spike Lee's "Do It A Cappella". Black Mambazo has provided soundtrack material for Disney's "The Lion King Part II",  Eddie Murphy's "Coming To America", Marlon Brando's "A Dry White Season", James Earl Jones' "Cry The Beloved Country" and Sean Connery's "League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen". 
Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be on tour in 2009 and 2010 with their Grammy album “Ilembe”