Albert Mazibuko, a foundational voice in the legendary South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has passed away at the age of 77. The group confirmed his death followed a brief illness.
Mazibuko's musical journey spanned over five decades with the ensemble, contributing to their signature sound that blended Zulu traditions with the gentle, rhythmic isicathamiya style. His tenure saw the group achieve monumental success, including five Grammy Awards and a pivotal role on Paul Simon's groundbreaking 1986 album, Graceland.
In a heartfelt tribute, Ladysmith Black Mambazo remembered Mazibuko as a "wise elder" and a "saint" whose kindness guided younger members. The statement highlighted his passion for sharing their music globally, saying:
"He loved traveling 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."
Born in the eastern town of uMnambithi (formerly Ladysmith), Mazibuko left school early to work on a farm before his cousin, group founder Joseph Shabalala, invited him to join in 1969. Their 1973 album Amabutho became Africa's first gold-selling record.
The group's rise to international fame came with Graceland, though Simon faced criticism for collaborating during the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa. For Mazibuko and his colleagues, music became an act of resilience. He once described the era's harsh realities to the BBC, recalling the constant fear of arrest for not carrying the restrictive ID books mandated for Black South Africans.
Reflecting on the nation's first democratic election in 1994, he said witnessing miles-long voting queues was "like heaven."
South Africa's Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie praised Mazibuko as "more than a performer; he was the custodian of a uniquely South African sound that travelled across the world and united people through music."
At the time of his passing, Ladysmith Black Mambazo was concluding a U.S. tour, a testament to the enduring legacy Mazibuko helped build—a legacy that continues through a blend of veteran and newer members carrying forward their message of harmony.