There was a palpable buzz of excitement before Ladysmith Black Mambazo even took to the stage.

The ten men walked out in simple, black trousers, white trainers and traditional African shirts. They had no band, no instruments and no props.

But as soon as they opened their mouths, every inch of the auditorium was filled with a rich, velvet sound. It was as though their voices reached out and enveloped us.

It is four decades since Joseph Shabalala founded the group and 17 years since Paul Simon's Graceland album made them a household name. Shabalala is still Ladysmith's main soloist and the other nine singers (who now include four of his sons) lined up behind him.

The music was a mix of perfectly timed harmony work overlaid by Shabalala's soulful voice punctuated by sighs and Zulu clicks. At times soothingly repetitive, the songs were haunting, beautiful and uplifting. There was a cheeky humour, with the members of the band at times chatting over Shabalala while he tried to control them.

Another key part of the performance was the dancing - astonishing high kicks, clapping and arm and leg gestures in unison which lent the music a lighthearted quality.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Wenyukela tour marks the tenth anniversary of the end of apartheid. Some songs recalled the difficult transition from apartheid to democracy but the night was not sombre. It was a celebration.

This is particularly striking when you consider the album Wenyukela (Raise Your Spirit Higher) was written after Shabalala's wife of 30 years was murdered by a masked gunman. When bad things happen, he says, the only thing to do is raise your spirit higher.

His philosophy was infectious and, after giving the group a standing ovation, we left the sell-out show on a high.