Voices of South Africa

More than two decades ago, the South African Zulu vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo got its first taste of the West when folk singer-songwriter Paul Simon took the 10 singers into the recording studio to work on a few new songs.

The tracks - wistful "Homeless," buoyant "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" - became part of "Graceland," an album that's, of course, now a pop classic, having sold more than 14 million copies. And though those first few Zulu words were indecipherable to most ("O kodwa u zo-nge li-sa namhlange"), many Western ears felt they were hearing something like a chorus of earthen angels.

Flash forward: More than 50 albums later, Ladysmith has become something of a cultural sensation - to the point that it's been spoofed both on TV's "Family Guy" and "Saturday Night Live." The group embarks on globe-trotting tours, garners Grammy Awards and records with pop stars Josh Groban, Natalie Merchant and Emmylou Harris. These facts continue to awe even the musicians themselves.

"It's amazing that so many people want to work with us," says longtime Ladysmith member Albert Mazibuko. "It's a blessing."

Ladysmith brings its spiritually uplifting music to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts tonight. It's part of a tour to promote the band's latest CD, "Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu," a tribute to the historical tribal warrior chief in South Africa.

"That's where we get our inspiration," Mazibuko says. "When you look in his life, this is a guy who was raised by a single parent, and when he grew up, he never complained about that. Shaka believed in uniting people. He said, 'When people come together, they have power.' "

When people come together at a Ladysmith Black Mambazo show, meanwhile, it's a chance to witness traditional isicathamiya, an a cappella style that involves choreographed toe-stepping and lush, close harmonies. Though occasional bits of English pop up from time to time, feel free, the band says, to appreciate its vocals as another musical instrument. Mostly, Ladysmith says its concerts are about promoting its homeland.

"We present our culture to other people," Mazibuko says. "We're fighting to present the good side of our country, and the power of music that has been helping us all through a difficult time. Music nourishes your spirit."

The Scottsdale show is also one last time to witness Ladysmith founder Joseph Shabalala. The 66-year-old announced in late January that he will retire from the group in the middle of the year. His son, Thamsanqa Shabalala, will take over the group.

"Thus," the elder Shabalala says, "the dream I had over 45 years ago will continue well into the 21st century."

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
What: South African Zulu vocal group
When: 7:30 p.m. today
Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St.
Cost: $38
Information: (480) 994-2787 or www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org