Nadia Romanos speaks to Mpumi ‘Supa’ Mbele, the director of "Music is My Life – Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo” - SA’s official 2023 Oscar submission!

The documentary feature has been announced as the National Film and Video Foundation’s (NFVF) International Feature Film submission for the 96th Annual Academy Awards (2023 – Oscars). This is the first time a documentary has been selected by the NFVF since 1989.

Shining a spotlight on Ladysmith Mambazo’s frontman, the legendary Joseph Shabalala, the film explores his rise to international fame with his iconic isicathamiya acapella group following their musical contributions to Paul Simon’s award-winning album Graceland, which went on to sell over 20 million copies.