Founding member of the award-winning choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo Albert Mazibuko (77) has died.
His death was confirmed by the group in a Facebook post on Monday.
“Dear friends, it is with immense sadness that we tell you that our brother, Albert Mazibuko, has left us this Easter Sunday to be with his saviour in heaven.
“Mdletshe Albert Mazibuko, or just ‘Albert’ to anyone who ever met him, was the best of the best.
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala asked Albert to join his singing group in 1969, and for the next 55 years – that’s right, 55 years – Albert was a member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He was Joseph’s ‘right-hand man’,” the post reads.
The group says when Shabalala retired in 2014, Mazibuko became a guiding elder to the younger members.
“Albert was a saint. He was kind to a fault. He loved travelling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
“He never tired of talking about the group’s history and its desire to spread ‘peace, love and harmony’ everywhere people had ears to listen. Albert became the main interviewee for members of the press who wanted to speak with the group.
“He never said no to a chance to talk about Ladysmith Black Mambazo,” the statement adds.
The group says anyone who met Mazibuko would know how beautiful he was, both inside and out.
It says further updates, including news, videos and pictures celebrating his life, will be shared in due course.
“We cannot express how broken our hearts are at this time,” the group says.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo began in the 1960s when Shabalala formed the original group, though his vision for its sound and style was not yet fully realised.
In 1969, Shabalala and Mazibuko reformed the group, laying the foundation for the internationally acclaimed ensemble known today.
The group performed in numerous isicathamiya (a cappella) competitions, but were eventually barred from entering because of their consistent victories.
Over the years, they travelled the world, won five Grammy Awards, and collaborated with artists including Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris and Melissa Etheridge.
Details surrounding Mazibuko’s death, including memorial arrangements and his final resting place, have not yet been released. – IOL News
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