By Tom Gaffey, The Daily Campus (U. Connecticut)

STORRS, Conn. -- South Africa's crowning vocal artists, Ladysmith Black

Mambazo, will bring their unique and rich a capella sound to UConn Thursday night at 9 p.m. The group will most certainly expand the audience's knowledge of Black history, as they speak and sing about South Africa, its history and its future, with an accuracy and love that an expert sociologist can easily be jealous of.

The group, which is composed of ten members of differing vocal range and sound, first became world famous when it accompanied Nelson Mandela at the Nobel Prize ceremony. They then sang again for him at his inauguration. The American masses first became familiar with their sound on Paul Simon's "Graceland" album, where they accompanied Simon on classics like "Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes" and "You Can Call Me Al," and added essential back-up vocals and choruses.

The group won a Grammy for the critically acclaimed "SHAKA ZULU," and has been nominated for a total of six Grammys thus far.

Apart from their inspiring and heart-warming music, the group devotes itself to raising awareness about South African culture. The group spreads themes of positivity, charity and hope. Their messages are woven with the hope of today's South Africa and its cultural promise, while expressing its current need for support.

The group is known for physically and vocally energized canella performances and tonight at Jorgensen is likely to be just that. Everyone from Whoopie Goldberg to the Queen of England has praised the group. There is no sound or spirit like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and that is what makes the group so special and sought after.

The university is lucky to have this historic group, and this stop on their tour is testament to their spread of taste. They have performed at two Nobel ceremonies, and now American college campuses. The celebration of Black History is in their history, and it is perhaps the most effective and proper way to end the month of February. The group began in the oppressed Apartheid regime, and are said to exude the oppressed cultural wave during the years of forced silence.

The group is likely to perform songs from its "SHAKA ZULU" album, its newer material, and perhaps its famous rendition of the (new) South African National Anthem.

The performance may not be as historic as some of their previous, but their sound and knowledge of South Africa and Black History, is one that can be enjoyed and embraced by almost anyone who encounters it.