THEY helped bring the unique rhythms and beats of South Africa to the world. And now Ladysmith Black Mambazo are lining up a hot date in York.

During the 1970's and early 1980's the band established themselves as the most successful singing group in South Africa.

In the mid-1980s, Paul Simon visited South Africa and incorporated the group's rich tenor/alto/bass harmonies into his famous "Graceland" album – a landmark recording that was considered seminal in introducing world music to mainstream audiences.

A year later, Simon produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo's first worldwide release, "Shaka Zulu", which won a Grammy Award in 1988. Since then, the group has been awarded two more Grammy Awards and has been nominated a total of fifteen times.

As well as working with Paul Simon, the band has recorded with artists from around the world, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Melissa Etheridge and others.

They provided soundtrack material for Disney’s The Lion King, Part II as well as Eddie Murphy’s Coming To America.

The group will be bringing their unique sound to the Grand Opera House, York, for one night only on October 29.

Tickets, priced £26.50, are available from www.atgtickets.com/york or by calling 0844 871 7615.