As Joseph Shabalala’s South African a cappella group enters its fifth decade, it again honors the 18th century Zulu king. Initially released last spring in South Africa under the name “Llembe: King of Kings,” it resonates with the spiritual reverence of Ladysmith’s 1990 American debut, “Shaka Zulu,” released shortly after the group’s introduction as part of Paul Simon’s “Graceland.” “Ilembe” also has a mix of English and Swahili and includes a song, “Prince of Peace,” comparing Shaka’s philosophy to that of Jesus Christ. With its hushed tone, this album is incredibly peaceful and soothing, but lacks some of the joyousness that made “Shaka Zulu” so stirring. Download: “Let’s Do It.” (Appearing tonight at Sanders Theatre, Cambridge.)

By: Nate Dow