Albert Mazibuko, who sang in the iconic South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo for more than five decades, has died aged 77. The musician's death on Sunday came after a short illness, as the choral group announced on their Facebook page. Mazibuko joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1969, and the collective went on to win five Grammy awards and feature on Paul Simon's acclaimed 1986 Graceland album.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo paid tribute to him 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 highlighted, 'He loved traveling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo,' saying, '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.'
Mazibuko was born in the eastern town of uMnambithi, known traditionally as Ladysmith, and left school early to work full-time on a farm. His cousin, Joseph Shabalala, founded Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1960 and eventually invited him to join. The group fuses indigenous Zulu songs and dances with South African isicathamiya, an acapella tradition typically accompanied by a gentle, shuffling dance.
The group gained recognition following a radio performance in 1970, leading to a recording contract. In 1973, they released Amabutho, Africa's first gold-selling album. Their global profile surged when US star Paul Simon recruited them for the multi-million-selling album Graceland, despite criticism he faced for breaking the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music during apartheid conveyed messages of hope and unity amidst widespread oppression. Mazibuko reminisced about the harsh realities of living under apartheid during an interview with the BBC's Soul Music show in 2015, recounting experiences of fear and restriction faced by black South Africans. He stated, 'In my life, I was so afraid of being arrested... even now I'm afraid.'
The current lineup of Ladysmith Black Mambazo includes a blend of long-standing members and newer, younger musicians. The group had been touring in the US since February and was scheduled to perform their final show stateside last Friday.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo paid tribute to him 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 highlighted, 'He loved traveling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo,' saying, '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.'
Mazibuko was born in the eastern town of uMnambithi, known traditionally as Ladysmith, and left school early to work full-time on a farm. His cousin, Joseph Shabalala, founded Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1960 and eventually invited him to join. The group fuses indigenous Zulu songs and dances with South African isicathamiya, an acapella tradition typically accompanied by a gentle, shuffling dance.
The group gained recognition following a radio performance in 1970, leading to a recording contract. In 1973, they released Amabutho, Africa's first gold-selling album. Their global profile surged when US star Paul Simon recruited them for the multi-million-selling album Graceland, despite criticism he faced for breaking the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music during apartheid conveyed messages of hope and unity amidst widespread oppression. Mazibuko reminisced about the harsh realities of living under apartheid during an interview with the BBC's Soul Music show in 2015, recounting experiences of fear and restriction faced by black South Africans. He stated, 'In my life, I was so afraid of being arrested... even now I'm afraid.'
The current lineup of Ladysmith Black Mambazo includes a blend of long-standing members and newer, younger musicians. The group had been touring in the US since February and was scheduled to perform their final show stateside last Friday.
