Ladysmith Black Mambazo's 'wise elder' dies aged 77

Albert Mazibuko, a legendary member of the internationally acclaimed South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has passed away at the age of 77 following a brief illness.

The musician's death on Sunday marks the end of an extraordinary five-decade career with one of the world's most recognizable choral ensembles. Mazibuko joined the group in 1969, contributing to their remarkable journey that would see them earn five Grammy Awards and achieve global fame through their collaboration on Paul Simon's groundbreaking 1986 album "Graceland."

In a heartfelt tribute posted on Monday, Ladysmith Black Mambazo remembered Mazibuko as a "saint" who was "kind to a fault." The group highlighted his role as a mentor, describing him as a "wise elder" who provided guidance to younger members throughout his tenure.

"He loved traveling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo," the statement read. "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's musical journey began in the eastern town of uMnambithi, formerly known as Ladysmith, where he grew up before leaving school early to work on a farm. His entry into the world of music came through family connections—his cousin, Joseph Shabalala, had founded Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1960 and later invited Mazibuko to join the ensemble.

The group's distinctive sound emerged from their innovative fusion of indigenous Zulu songs and dances with South African isicathamiya, an a cappella tradition characterized by its soft, shuffling dance style. This unique musical approach quickly gained attention, leading to a recording contract following a radio performance in 1970. Their breakthrough came in 1973 with the release of "Amabutho," which became Africa's first gold-selling album.

International recognition reached new heights when Paul Simon recruited the group for his "Graceland" album, a collaboration that brought their music to millions of listeners worldwide. While the partnership was initially controversial due to cultural boycotts of apartheid South Africa, it ultimately served as a powerful platform for their message of unity and hope.

The impact of Mazibuko's work extended far beyond music. Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie paid tribute on Monday, acknowledging that Mazibuko was "more than a performer; he was the custodian of a uniquely South African sound that travelled across the world and united people through music."

During the apartheid era, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music served as a beacon of hope amid oppression. Mazibuko often spoke about the harsh realities of life under racial segregation, recalling in a 2015 BBC interview how workers faced constant police harassment and the requirement to carry identification documents that restricted their movement.

"Apartheid was very harsh to us," Mazibuko reflected, describing the fear that permeated daily life. "If you don't carry it, you're arrested. In my life I was so afraid of being arrested… even now I'm afraid."

The transformation of South Africa held deep meaning for Mazibuko, who described witnessing the historic 1994 elections as "like heaven," as he observed people forming "miles and miles" of queues to cast their first democratic votes.

Today, Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues with a blend of veteran members and emerging talents, carrying forward the musical legacy that Mazibuko helped establish. The group had been touring the United States since February and was scheduled to complete their American tour on Friday.

Mazibuko's passing represents the loss of not only a gifted musician but also a cultural ambassador who spent more than five decades sharing South African musical traditions with the world, embodying the group's enduring mission of promoting peace, love, and harmony through the universal language of music.