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The original Mahotella Queens line-up reunited with Mahlathini and the Makgona Tsohle Band in 1983, due to unexpected demand from mgqashiyo and mbaqanga fans.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo took their first step into the international arena via Paul Simon on his Graceland album in 1986, where a series of reissue albums by US label Shanachie sold very well.

Mambazo became world travellers, touring the world and collaborating with various Western musicians to massive success.

" Graceland " won many awards including the Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year.

A year later, Simon produced Black Mambazo ’ s first U. S. release, Shaka Zulu, which won the Grammy Award, in 1988, for Best Traditional Folk Album.

Since then, and in total, the group has received fifteen Grammy Award Nominations and three Grammy Award wins, including one in 2009.

The Graceland album not only propelled Mambazo into the spotlight, but paved the way for other South African acts ( including Mahlathini and the Queens, Amaswazi Emvelo, Moses Mchunu, Ray Phiri and Stimela, and others ) to become known worldwide as well.