The countdown has begun. By tomorrow morning South African music lovers will know if the Ladysmith Black Mambazo has walked off with another Grammy. The group has been nominated in two categories in what is deemed the Oscars of the music world.

Since they started in the late sixties:

- they have sold over six million albums, making them the number one record selling group in Africa
- they have been nominated for nine grammys
- won a grammy in 1987 for their album Shaka Zulu in the category best traditional folk recording
- have performed for Nelson Mandela, the Queen of England and at two Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies
- Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton among numerous artists they have performed with

From the foothills of the Drakensberg to the Big Apple, the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo has entertained audiences around the world. It all started in the sixties with Joseph Shabalala. He heard a harmony in a dream and got members of his family to form Ladysmith Black Mambazo. American singer Paul Simon was captivated by their music and helped them conquer the international music scene. They've performed for Nelson Mandela, the Queen of England and at two Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies.

Now the ten member group has been nominated again. This time in the categories of best traditional world music and best surround sound album for "Raise your spirit higher". The album's release coincided with South Africa's 10 year democracy celebrations. It held the number 1 spot on Billboard's World Music chart for several months.

South Africans will be asleep when the winners of the 47th Annual Grammy Awards are called out early tomorrow morning. And hopefully Ladysmith Black Mambazo will come home with "Diamonds on the Souls of their Shoes".