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Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s “wise elder” Albert Mazibuko dies, aged 77: “What a legend, he and his group took the world by storm”

Singer Albert Mazibuko

Tributes have been paid as Albert Mazibuko, from the iconic South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has died aged 77.

The musician joined the group back in 1969, and remained as part of the line-up for 55 years. This included the five instances where the collective went on to win Grammy Awards, and when they also featured on Paul Simon’s acclaimed 1986 ‘Graceland’ album.

His passing was confirmed on Sunday (April 5), and came after a short illness.

“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,” his bandmates wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend.

“We will update you with further news, videos and pictures celebrating the life of Albert. We cannot express how broken our hearts are at this time,” they added.

“Albert was a saint. He was kind to a fault. He loved traveling 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.”

Mazibuko grew up in uMnambithi, formally known as Ladysmith, and joined the group after it was founded in 1960 by his cousin, Joseph Shabalala. They quickly became recognised for their harmonies, and for fusing a capella singing with traditional Zulu songs.

After getting signed one year after Mazibuko joined, they went on to release two albums in 1973, and ‘Amabutho’ was later certified as the first gold-selling album in Africa.

Among those paying tribute is South Africa’s Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who praised the artist as “more than a performer”. “He was the custodian of a uniquely South African sound that travelled across the world and united people through music,” McKenzie shared.

One fan also wrote on X/Twitter that Mazibuko was “legendary” and added: “May his soul rest in peace”. Another shared: “RIP Sir, LadySmith Black Mambazo was South Africa’s most successful international band, icons and made us proud.”

Find more tributes below.

While the line-up for Ladysmith Black Mambazo changed over the years, and now features a mix of long-standing and newer members, Mazibuko was a steady part of the collective, and stayed in the group for over 50 years.

They won five Grammy Awards over the past five decades, and also took part in the soundtrack to Simba’s Pride, the sequel film to The Lion King, in 1998.

Throughout their career, the band frequently sang about hope and unity during the apartheid, when racial discrimination was legalised (via BBC News), and found global recognition after joining up with Paul Simon for his hit ‘Graceland’ album.

The post Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s “wise elder” Albert Mazibuko dies, aged 77: “What a legend, he and his group took the world by storm” appeared first on NME.