Members of some bands can barely stand the sight of one another after long, hard months of touring. But Albert Mazibuko of South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo feels quite differently.

"After three days' time (at home), I miss being with the guys," he says. "I miss being on the road." Band members get not just satisfaction but joy from being together. "We laugh our lungs out. It's a group that is so blessed. When we are together we have so much joy."

Over its more than three decades, the group has blended that joy with traditional music and experimentation, bringing together Zulu singing and gospel music to create a new style of their own.

The group has been prolific over the decades, including their newest album, "Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu."

"We grew up our parents telling us about him and what he did and what he has accomplished," Mazibuko says. "He believed in whatever you do, you should be the best. And so by bringing up this idea and putting it in this album and honoring him, we are encouraging ourselves to continue to do what we believe is best for us, is best for the people, is best for everyone in the world."

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave.; $31 advance, Ticketmaster; 503-224-4400.

-- by Luciana Lopez