PICTURE: X/ ALBERT MAZIBUKO
Tributes continue to pour in for music icon Albert Mazibuko, who was known as a member of the world-renowned group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
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Albert passed away on April 4 at the age of 77, leaving Mzansi reeling in shock. According to the statement issued by the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Gayton McKenzie, Albert was more than a performer. Rather, he was a custodian of a uniquely South African sound that travelled across the world and united people through music. Through Ladysmith Black Mambazo, he helped carry the story, resilience and soul of our nation onto the global stage.
“South Africa has lost one of its cultural giants. Albert Mazibuko and his fellow members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo showed the world the beauty of our traditions and the power of harmony. His voice and presence will be deeply missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire generations of artists.
“On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the people of South Africa, I extend my sincere condolences to the Mazibuko family, the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the music community, and all South Africans mourning the loss of a beloved cultural icon. May his soul rest in peace, and may his music continue to remind us who we are as a people,” read the statement.
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Ladysmith Black Mambazo was founded in 1960 in KwaZulu-Natal by the late Joseph Shabalala. The iconic musical group became one of South Africa’s most celebrated groups and global ambassadors of the traditional isicathamiya style.
The group rose to international prominence following their collaboration with Paul Simon on the landmark album Graceland, which introduced millions around the world to South African choral music during a pivotal moment in our history.
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