Albert Mazibuko, a founding member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, passed away on Easter Sunday, according to a Facebook post by the group on Monday.
“Dear friends, 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.
“Mdletshe Albert Mazibuko, or just ‘Albert’ to anyone who ever met him, was the best of the best.
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala asked Albert to join his singing group in 1969 and, for the next 55 years – that’s right, 55 years – Albert was a member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He was Joseph’s ‘right-hand man’,” the post read.
The group said that when Shabalala retired in 2014, Mazibuko became a guiding elder to the younger members.
“Albert was a saint. He was kind to a fault. He loved travelling 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. Albert became the main interviewee for members of the press who wanted to speak with the group.
“He never said no to a chance to talk about Ladysmith Black Mambazo,” the statement added.
Mazibuko joined the group in 1969 at the request of founder Joseph Shabalala and remained a member for 55 years.
Following Shabalala's retirement in 2014, Mazibuko became a guiding figure for the younger members. Ladysmith Black Mambazo was initially formed in the 1960s but was reformed by Shabalala and Mazibuko in 1969.
The group gained recognition for their consistent victories in isicathamiya competitions, eventually being excluded from participating further. The group has expressed their heartbreak and will share updates, news, videos, and pictures celebrating Mazibuko’s life.
