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Joseph Shabalala, the soft-spoken leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, might be making his last trip through Tucson this Saturday.

After 47 years of directing the group's South African harmonies, the longtime vocalist announced in January that he is ready to retire.

Shabalala is leaving the ensemble, known best for its work on Paul Simon's 1986 album, "Graceland," in good hands. His son, Thamsanqa Shabalala has been with Ladysmith since 1993. He was handpicked by his father to take the reins once Pop has moved on.

In the meantime, the group is still at it. Members are now on tour in support of its latest release, "Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu."

We spoke to Thamsanqa from Baton Rouge, La., late last week.

"No. But I was already singing the same type of music with my brothers. We were singing at the church and in school. It happened because other members were retiring. We just thought we were helping out and they were just off for the tour and would come back. But they didn't. It was time for us then."

"It is a very good thing. We don't get homesick that much with brothers and cousins, fathers and uncles around us. But home is home. We like to get together when we are home, too. Sometimes we call each other and gather on Saturdays just to meet and hang out."

So your dad is retiring . . .

"Yeah, that's what he says. We'll see."

"I do believe him. I think he is tired. He is older. It is the age. He is older, and there is a lot of traveling involved. I'm sure he wants to rest. He will always be a part of the group. He is the founder."

"Sometime he says it. Sometimes, before we go on stage, he says that he is tired today. But he doesn't show it. He is a professional. It is kind of difficult to see him retire. We know how it is to play with somebody for so long. But we must go on with the music even if he is not there. The music must stay on because people love it."

"No. I think this is the right direction. We've been around for 47 years and things are still going good."

"That would be nice. We see them at home. They have grown now. Sometimes they come in and rehearse with us. We see then if they have interest. Any member of the family is welcome to practice."

"Joseph is the man. If he doesn't want to write after he retires, we'll say, 'No, write the song.' After we finish touring, we'll go home to him and say, 'Dad, give us the songs and we'll go and record'."