Hot off the January release of its latest album, "Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu" (the first Zulu king), the Grammy Award-winning South African music group will perform at Laxson Auditorium, courtesy of Chico Performances.

It has been said that rhythm is the universal heartbeat of the world. Since the early '60s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been spreading its message throughout the world using a blend of South African Zulu rhythms, gospel tunes and indigenous vocals.

Founded by Joseph Shabalala, the tight-knit ensemble includes father and sons, brothers, cousins and close friends ranging from 24 to 67. The group appeared at Laxson in February 2005 and September 2000.

"Our message is about peace, love and harmony," Albert Mazibuko, an original group member said in a telephone interview. "We sing about politics, relationships, and overcoming difficulties; we sing about life.

The group's members know about overcoming adversity since their countrymen struggled for racial equality for nearly a half-century under apartheid — a South African system of legal segregation that officially ended in 1994. Music was an outlet for many South Africans who sang about injustices, work and freedom. For instance, "Kuyafundw' Osizini" ("Learning from the Obstacles") is a Ladysmith song that stresses tackling life's hurdles and learning from such experiences.

"Music plays a great role in African culture," purported Mazibuko. "It empowers people. It makes people think positive."

But the music doesn't always carry such a heavy overtone. Some pieces from the latest CD, such as "Vela Nsizwa," encourage people to just get up and dance. Chico music-goers should be prepared to get up out of their seats and even dance alongside the group. Also, in "O Mmu Beno Mmu" ("Somebody and Somebody"), the group sings about people setting aside their differences to work for the common good. Ultimately, this is the message of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. 

"We want to encourage people to live and work together" Mazibuko said.

After Chico, the group continues its West Coast tour before heading to Europe. When they are not traveling and entertaining, the group is working on its latest creative project, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Music Academy. The group hopes to open a school in their hometown of Ladysmith, South Africa to teach indigenous music.

"We don't think it will be around forever," Mazibuko feared. "Not all people know traditional music. We want to preserve and promote it."

The school will be open to worldwide participants of all ages, offering musical classes of varying lengths and levels and instruction in other areas such as traditional Zulu dance. Curriculum and funding are currently being developed with the goal of opening within the next two years.

Mazibuko ended the interview with a specific request to the Chico audience: "I open the second set with a wonderful (sing-along) song that we sing when we're homesick" he said.

So dust off those dancing shoes, tune up those voices, and let the rhythm of Ladysmith Black Mambazo energize your soul.

-- by Deeann Resk