The number one record-selling African group, with more than 6 million records sold at home and abroad,  Ladysmith Black Mambazo are true musical ambassadors, bringing their trademark a cappella Zulu harmonies, their exuberant spirit and dynamic movement to performances for the pope, the queen and audiences around the globe — and garnering two Grammy Awards and a host of other nominations along the way.

The group is back at the Napa Valley Opera House by popular demand on Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45.

Their first album release for the United States, Shaka Zulu, was produced by Paul Simon and won the Grammy Award in 1987 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. Since then they have been nominated for Grammies 11 more times. In 2005 they were awarded their second Grammy for best traditional world music recording for “Raise Your Spirit Higher.” Their most recent release, “Long Walk To Freedom,” was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2007.

The traditional music sung by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, isicathamiya, was born in the mines of South Africa. Black workers were taken by rail to work far away from their homes and their families. Poorly housed and paid worse, they would entertain themselves after a six-day week by singing songs into the early hours of Sunday morning. They called themselves Cothoza Mfana, “tip-toe guys,” referring to the dance steps choreographed so as to not disturb the camp security guards. When miners returned to their homelands, the tradition returned with them. There began a fierce but social competition held regularly that became a highlight of everyone’s social calendar. The winners were awarded a goat for their efforts — and the adoration of their fans. These competitions are held even today in YMCA assembly halls and church basements throughout Zululand, South Africa.

The name Ladysmith Black Mambazo came about as a result of winning every singing competition the group entered. “Ladysmith” is the hometown of the Shabalala family; “Black” references the black oxen, considered to be the strongest on the farm. The Zulu word “Mambazo” refers to an axe — symbolic of the group’s ability to “chop down” the competition. They were so good that after a time they were forbidden to enter the competitions but welcomed, of course, to entertain at them.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.

Tickets, $45