The Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes, Minn., will echo Sunday with the complex harmonies of the eight-man a cappella group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Americans first saw these singing South Africans on Paul Simon's Graceland music special in the mid-1980s. With Simon's help, they released their first album, "Shaka Zulu," to U.S. audiences in 1987, and it immediately garnered a Grammy. They received eight other nominations for albums and received their second Grammy last year for "Raise Your Spirit Higher."

Founded by mine worker Joseph Shabalala in 1969, the group of brothers and cousins created a new twist to the music of "isicathamiya" or traditional stomping Zulu Dance, softened to a tiptoe and a whisper.

"Because it's our traditional music that we still have in South Africa, let's do our best to compose a song which is going to send a message to the people," said Albert Mazibuko, one of the original members. "It was the message to fight for their freedom and to be strong in what they believe in. Also with the music, we encourage people to stay together because, if we can stay together, we are strong, but if we are separate, we are weak."

Teaming up

They have since added their unique vocal signature to albums by Dolly Parton, Ben Harper, The Wynans and George Clinton. They also have provided music for the soundtracks of films "A Dry White Season" (Marlon Brando), "Coming to America" (Eddie Murphy), "Cry The Beloved Country" (James Earl Jones) and "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (Sean Connery). They also appeared in Spike Lee's "Do It A Cappella" and have done music for Lifesavers and IBM commercials.

Though Jockey Shabalala, one of Joseph's brothers, died early last month, the group's music and message is being carried forward by three of Joseph's sons.

"Three of them joined us in 1993, and one of them joined us in 1998," Mazibuko said. "They come with intense new energy, because they are young and enthusiastic." And they are adding their own fresh suggestions to the material and how it's being presented.

Detroit Lakes is part of 12 weeks of performances, celebrating Ladysmith Black Mambazo's 20 years of touring around the world.

"America has been our home away from home for so many years. That's why we decided to take this tour all over the country and to see those people who love us and to say thank you for supporting us," Mazibuko said. "The songs that we are performing in this tour, these are the songs, the message that we take to the people ... . Like the song, 'Homeless.' We recorded this song because it's still a need. People are still living in the streets, and some people are still staying in shelters. We still need to take care of one another."

-Janie Franz