Ladysmith Black Mambazo celebrating new album

Ladysmith Black Mambazo plans to launch their new album One Voice One World when they return from their tour in America.

702's Gugs Mhlungu chatted to Sibongiseni Shabalala, Leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mbuso Khoza, South African musical visionary and actor who is one of the collaborators on the new body of work.

Released earlier this month, the album blends traditional isicathamiya with contemporary sounds.

It also features Nduduzo Makhathini.

Shabalala, who is the son of the group's founder Dr Joseph Shabalala, said working with other musicians is an important part of what the group, which has won five Grammy awards, does.

"For instance, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, for the group to be able to open doors around the world, it was the collaboration with Paul Simon.

"But it's also very important to stay true to yourself, your music and your culture because when people invite you to do something with them, they invite you because they like what you are doing. They want you to share that with them. So it's very important to stay strong and not allow yourself to be changed by the collaborations that you do."

He added that his dad's mission was to share their culture with the world.

Mbuso said when he started as a musician, his only hope was to have a picture with Ladysmith Black Mambazo so being involved "it's unimaginable".

They plan to launch the album when they return home from their overseas tour at the end of April. The group hopes to also have two or three shows before the end of the year.

To listen to the full discussion, click the media player below.