Ladysmith Black Mambazo's 'wise elder' dies aged 77
Albert Mazibuko, who sang in iconic South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, died aged 77 on Sunday. The musician's death came after a short illness, according to a Facebook post by the choral group. Mazibuko joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1969.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo paid tribute to Mazibuko on Monday, describing him as "kind to a fault" and a "saint" who acted as a "wise elder" for the group's younger members. The statement said, "He loved travelling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo." Mazibuko's cousin, Joseph Shabalala, founded Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1960 and eventually asked Mazibuko to join. The group went on to win five Grammy awards and feature on Paul Simon's acclaimed 1986 Graceland album. In 1973, they released Africa's first gold-selling album, Amabutho. Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said in a statement that Mazibuko was "more than a performer; he was the custodian of a uniquely South African sound that travelled across the world and united people through music". Mazibuko told the BBC's Soul Music show in 2015, "Apartheid was very harsh to us."
The current Ladysmith Black Mambazo line-up is a mix of long-standing members and newer, younger musicians. The outfit had been touring in the US since February and were due to play their last stateside show on Friday.
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Albert Mazibuko, a member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo for over 50 years, has passed away at 77. The group described the musician as a "wise elder" - his influence will be felt.
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