Albert Mazibuko's Passing
Albert Mazibuko, a vocalist with the renowned South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo for over fifty years, has died at the age of 77. The group announced his death on Sunday, attributing it to a brief illness.
Career and Contributions
Mazibuko became a member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1969. The ensemble achieved international acclaim, securing five Grammy Awards and contributing to Paul Simon's celebrated 1986 album, Graceland.
On Monday, Ladysmith Black Mambazo honored Mazibuko, describing him as "kind to a fault" and a "saint" who served as a "wise elder" guiding the younger members of the group.
"He loved traveling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo," the group stated.
"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."
Early Life and Group Formation
Mazibuko was raised in uMnambithi, also known as Ladysmith, in eastern South Africa. He left school early to work full-time on a farm. His cousin, Joseph Shabalala, founded Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1960 and later invited Mazibuko to join the group.
The group is known for blending indigenous Zulu songs and dances with the South African isicathamiya tradition, an a cappella style often accompanied by a soft, shuffling dance.
Rise to Fame
A radio performance in 1970 secured the group a recording contract, and in 1973 they released Amabutho, Africa's first gold-selling album. Their global recognition expanded after Paul Simon enlisted them for his multi-million-selling album Graceland. Simon faced criticism for breaking the cultural boycott against apartheid South Africa by collaborating with the group.
Music and Apartheid
During the oppressive apartheid era, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music conveyed messages of hope and unity.
"Apartheid was very harsh to us," Mazibuko told the BBC's Soul Music program in 2015.
"I was working at a cotton factory... when we came out from work we saw the police, they were lining up," he recalled.
Mazibuko and his colleagues were required to present their ID books, which the apartheid regime used to control the movement of black South Africans.
"If you don't carry it, you're arrested. In my life I was so afraid of being arrested… even now I'm afraid."
Current Group and Tours
The present Ladysmith Black Mambazo lineup includes a combination of long-standing members and newer, younger musicians. The group has been touring the United States since February and was scheduled to perform their final show there on Friday.
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