Ladysmith Black Mambazo of South Africa sings about life and the rebirth of freedom on its newest recording.

            The vocal ensemble’s “Raise your Spirit higher/ Wenyukela” is due Jan. 27 from the Cleveland based Heads Up label as part of its Heads Up Africa series.

            The recording project deals with issues of apartheid and death – the latter close to home. “Tribute,” a hip hop track, features founder leader Joseph Shabalala’s grandchildren lamenting the death of his wife for 28 years. Nellie Shabalala was shot outside of their church in South Africa during the making of this record.