Heads Up International has announced its first release of 2006, Long Walk to Freedom. In 1986, Paul Simon introduced the musical genius and boundless spiritual energy of Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the world via his groundbreaking recording, Graceland. In recognition of the 20th anniversary of their ascendancy to the world stage and the dawning of democracy in South Africa 12 years ago, the Grammy-winning vocal group will release Long Walk to Freedom on Heads Up on January 24.

The album features 12 new recordings of classic Ladysmith Black Mambazo songs -- including "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes," "Homeless," and their first big hit "Nomathemba" -- with guest performances by Melissa Etheridge, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Zap Mama, Joe McBride, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant and many others. Also appearing are a virtual who's who of South African artists: Lucky Dube, Bhekumunzi Luthlui, Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela, and more.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo 2006 US tour dates:

2/2 Manchester, MA
2/3 Brunswick, ME
2/4 Troy, NY
2/5 Peekskill, NY
2/7 Bethlehem, PA
2/9 North Bethesda, MD
2/10 Greenvale, NY
2/11 Cambridge, MA
2/12 Keene, NH
2/14 Annapolis, MA
2/15 Pomona, NJ
2/17 Princeton, NJ
2/18 Newark, NJ
2/19 Philadelphia, PA
2/21 Wilmington, NC
2/22 - 23 Durham, NC
2/25 Atlanta, GA
2/28 Madison, WI
3/1 Platteville, WI
3/4 Iowa City, IA
3/6 Duluth, MN
3/7 Grand Rapids, MI
3/9 Winona, MN
3/10 Fairmont. MN
3/11 Rochester, MN
3/12 Detroit Lakes, MN
3/15 Holland, MI
3/17 Paducah, KY
3/18 St. Louis, MO
3/19 - 20 Memphis, TN
3/22 - 23 Saratoga, CA
3/24 Arcata, CA
3/25 Eugene, OR
3/26 Klamath Falls, OR
3/28 & 4/1 Sebastopol, CA
3/29 Davis, CA
3/30 Berkeley, CA
4/5 Riverside, CA
4/6 Santa Barbara, CA
4/7 Pasadena, CA
4/8 Costa Mesa, CA
4/9 Flagstaff, AZ
4/11 Dallas, TX
4/12 Austin, TX