Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder dies

ZTN Reporter

Popular South Africa musical group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo frontman, Joseph Shabalala has died.

He was 78.

Shabalala succumbed to a yet undisclosed health complication at a hospital in Pretoria today.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo rose to fame across the world singing traditional choral IsiCathamiya music. They performed at the iconic Graceland tour in the 80’s, alongside American artiste Paul Simon, making them a worldwide phenomenon.

They also worked on projects with notables like Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson and Zimbabwe’s own late icon Oliver Mtukudzi  in a remake of his song Neria.

The Band which is currently on tour in the Usa, took to Twitter to pay tribute to its founder, “We celebrate and honour your kind heart and your extraordinary life. Through your music and the millions who you came in contact with, you shall live forever.”