Amabutho (album)

Infobox Album |
Name = Amabutho
Type = Album
Artist = Ladysmith Black Mambazo


Released = February 22, 1973
Recorded = August 1972-January 1973
Genre = Isicathamiya, Mbube
Length = 35:00 approx.
Label = Gallo Record Company
Producer = West Nkosi
This album = "Amabutho"
(1973)
Next album = "Imbongi"
(1973)

"Amabutho" is the 1973 debut release by the South African isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, recorded for Gallo Record Company (the group are still with the label today). "Amabutho" sold over 25,000 copies in South Africa, and as such was the first record by black musicians in the country to receive gold disc certification. "Amabutho" featured the hit single "Nomathemba", as well as other signature tunes such as "Nkosi Yamakhosi" (King of Kings) and "Awu, Wemadoda" (Hey, Man!) The LP was reissued on Gallo (in South Africa only) along with most of the group's early output, in February 2007.

Track listing

# "Amabutho" (Warriors)
# "Isigcino" (The End)
# "Yadla Yabeletha" (It Eats Often)
# "Awu, Wemadoda" (Hey, Man!)
# "Mlaba"
# "Ushaka" (King Shaka)
# "Nomathemba" (Hope)
# "Nqonqotha Mfana" (The Boy Knocks)
# "Utugela" (The Tugela River)
# "Sivuya Sonke" (We Perform Everywhere)
# "Nkosi Yamakhosi" (King of Kings/Lord of Lords)
# "Ngelekelele"