Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson have traveled a long way in the decade since “MmmBop” hit the airwaves, and the most recent leg of their musical journey has taken them to Africa.
During the creation of their 2007 album “The Walk,” the brothers made several trips to Africa in an effort to better understand the poverty and disease that grips the continent.
In a recent telephone interview, Zac Hanson recalled a 2006 visit to Soweto, a destitute township outside Johannesburg, South Africa, where they met a chorus of middle school children with whom they recorded “Great Divide,” the second track on “The Walk.”
Singing in their native Zulu, the children chanted “Ngi ne themba,” which translates “I have hope.” At that moment, Zac could no longer distance himself from the truth of their circumstances.
“I think, as a way to protect yourself from the reality of the situation, sometimes you end up in denial,” Zac said. “But when we saw those kids singing the music we created, with the same passion and love of music we had at that age when we first started … something made me realize, this is just the same as the kids on the street in Tulsa, Okla. (his hometown), and I’ve got to do something.”

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Fanning out in Foxborough
Hardcore Hanson fans – known as Fansons – would follow “Mmmbop” brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac to the ends of the earth. Fortunately, they didn’t have to Saturday. Before Hanson’s show at Showcase Live in Foxborough, the band (Zac, above) led fans on a mile walk – barefoot – to raise awareness about the AIDS crisis in Africa.

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Hanson, now all grown up, plays a concert at the Nokia Theater in Times Square. Though best remembered for their mid-90s hit “MmmBop,” which became a global sensation, the three brothers are currently on their “Walk Around the World” tour to promote their latest album, a completely independent effort, “The Walk.” 7 p.m.; $35. 1515 Broadway. (212) 307-7171.

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If Sunday night’s concert at House of Blues was any indication of Hanson’s popularity and talent, it’s safe to say the pop trio hasn’t lost its touch. More than a decade after their hit song, “MMMBop” came out, the Hanson brothers have maintained much of the same rhythm, energy and harmony that characterized their debut album, Middle of Nowhere.

The brothers played some of their older hits, including “MMMBop” and “Where’s the Love,” as well as songs from their latest album, The Walk, released last July.

Among the impressive songs was “One More,” which showcased strong vocals from Taylor, 25, and Isaac, 27. It was one of the few songs that didn’t seem overpowered by instrumentals, and it provided a welcome diversion from the group’s faster, more energetic tunes.

The brothers, originally from Tulsa, Okla., took turns sharing the spotlight. Isaac added acoustic guitar, giving a Doobie Brothers feel to the group’s music.

The group’s youngest member, Zach, 22, performed the night’s only solo. It would have seemed more engaging if his piano hadn’t been tucked away to the side of the stage.

Taylor played the role of frontman, constantly asking for fans’ participation. With frequent “oh oh oh’s” and “na na na’s” dotting the lyrics of the group’s songs, it wasn’t difficult for fans to follow Taylor’s cues and sing along.

“So you stuck with us for a decade,” Taylor said shortly before the group launched into “MMMBop.” “We’re going to take you back to the beginning.”

They did just that, proving they haven’t lost their knack for playing catchy tunes together in a wholesome, brotherly way.

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The brothers Hanson come to perform at Rams Head Live Wednesday (doors 7 p.m. – all ages welcome). Hanson has been called a more modern version of ’70s boy bands such as the Jackson 5.

Their initial success forshadowed the rise of teen pop stars such as Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.

Now a bit further down the line, the Hanson brothers strive to simply be considered as the excellent musicians they really are.

In recent years they’ve worked with Bob Weir, Jonny Lang, John Popper, Matthew Sweet and the Dust Brothers in the effort to shed their boy band image.

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