ALBUM REVIEWS / POP

*** Ladysmith Black Mambazo, “Thuthukani Ngoxolo,” Shanachie. Ladysmith just keeps getting better. Neither growing fame nor a hectic schedule of concerts, film, theater and commercial music has diminished the warmth and appeal of the South African group’s a cappella singing. The songs, brilliantly performed by Joseph Shabalala’s rich, resonant ensemble of 10 male voices, are earnest calls for tolerance, peace and understanding.

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New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).