April 07, (THEWILL) – Albert Mazibuko, a longtime member of the acclaimed South African choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, died at the age of 77 on Sunday, April 5, following a short illness.
The group announced his passing in a statement on Monday, honouring his decades of dedication and influence within the ensemble.
Mazibuko joined the ensemble in 1969 and spent more than five decades performing with the group, becoming one of its most recognisable voices and a respected elder within the ensemble.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, founded by his cousin Joseph Shabalala in 1960, earned international fame for its rich isicathamiya style and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best World Music Album for “Live: Singing for Peace Around the World” in 2013 and “Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration” in 2018.
The group also featured on Paul Simon’s acclaimed 1986 album “Graceland”, helping introduce its sound to global audiences.
In their tribute, the group described Mazibuko as “kind to a fault”, a “saint”, and a “wise elder” to younger members.
“He loved travelling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo,” they said, adding that 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, KwaZulu‑Natal, and left school early to work before dedicating his life to music.
After Shabalala retired in 2014, Mazibuko became a guiding presence for the group’s newer members.
The ensemble said his passing marks the end of an era for its music and for South Africa’s cultural heritage.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues to tour and perform with a mix of veteran and younger musicians, carrying forward the traditions Mazibuko helped champion around the world.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
