The legendary founder of five-time Grammy award winning scathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala, has passed on. He died on Tuesday morning at Life Eugene Marais Hospital in Pretoria at the age of 78. His wife was by his side during his last moments.
The 2016 Essence Festival honouree’s health deteriorated in the past couple of years, resulting in him retiring from Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 2014.
“Yes it is true. Mr Shabalala passed on this morning. The group (Ladysmith Black Mambazo) is on tour in the United States, but they have been informed and are devastated because the group is family” said group manager, Xolani Majozi.
