T he ever-popular Ladysmith Black Mambazo return to Tunbridge Wells in November as part of their biggest ever UK tour, this time joined by Netsayi, one of the UK's most original talents with a great reputation for live shows.

The music and passion of South Africa were brought to the world's attention when Paul Simon, on his Graceland album, featured Ladysmith Black Mambazo with their thunderous and beautiful harmonies.

The album, which was released in 1986, caused controversy. Paul faced accusations that he had broken the cultural boycott imposed by the rest of the world against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

However, the United Nations Anti-Apartheid Committee did not agree and said the album showcased the talents of the black South African musicians while offering no support to the South African government.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo are headed by charismatic composer Joseph Shabalala who was also the group's founding member.

They are Africa's number one selling recording group with more than 40 CD releases and sales approaching the 10 million mark.

Mambazo's captivating Zulu harmonies are a proud, strong homage to the jubilance, power and beauty of the indigenous music.

Winners of two Grammys, they have performed at two Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies, for the Pope in Rome, the South African Presidential inaugurations, the 1996 Summer Olympics, a Muhammad Ali television special and in the summer of 2002 at the celebration of the Queen's star-studded 50th anniversary celebrations dubbed The Party At The Palace.

The group are joined on this tour by Netsayi. Following the success of her debut album, Chimurenga Soul, her new album Chosen Ones, mixes her Zimbabwean roots with pop and folk to tell unfailingly moving tales of an independent African – of hope and despair, love and loss, of home and abroad.

The concert promises to be a night of stirring melodies and truly uplifting music.

Thursday November 19 at 7.30pm Tickets £23 and £25 from 01892 530613/532072 or www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk