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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

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Music Planet

Music: World

The best roots-based music from across the world.

The best roots-based music from across the world - with live sessions from the biggest international names and the freshest emerging talent, classic tracks and new releases.

Music Planet: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

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18/05/2018

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo in session, with Lopa Kothari.

Lopa Kothari introduces a studio session from South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Lopa Kothari presents a session from the celebrated South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and this week's Mixtape comes from Canadian singer Melissa Laveaux. 

The legendary South African a capella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo are currently touring the UK. Formed in the early 1960s, the group takes its name from founder Joseph Shabalala's hometown of Ladysmith and two symbols of strength: the Black ox and Mambazo, the Zulu word for a chopping axe. The group is known for its mastery of isicathamiya, a vocal style that was popular entertainment in the mining hostels of South Africa. They are best known to mainstream audiences for providing the vocals on Paul Simon's groundbreaking Graceland album of 1986. 

In this week's Mixtape, singer-songwriter Melissa Laveaux shares music from Jose Gonzalez and Mia Doi Todd, Creole folk from Réunion's Alain Péters and the psychedelic cumbia of Colombia's Meridian Brothers.

Tonight's Classic Artist is Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure and we have new releases from BCUC, Yonatan Gat, Abu Obaida Hassan, Ammar 808, Don Kipper and Chancha Via Circuita. 

Listen to the world - Music Planet, Radio 3's new world music show presented by Lopa Kothari and Kathryn Tickell, brings us the best roots-based music from across the globe - with live sessions from the biggest international names and the freshest emerging talent; classic tracks and new releases. Plus special guest Mixtapes and gems from the BBC archives. Whether it's traditional Indian ragas, Malian funk, UK folk or Cuban jazz, you'll hear it on Music Planet.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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