KZN mourns loss of Ladysmith Black Mambazo stalwart Albert Mazibuko

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has paid tribute to Black Mambazo top singer and veteran musician Albert Mazibuko, whose death at the age of 77 has been described as the end of an era for South Africa’s cultural and musical heritage. A long-serving member of the internationally acclaimed group, Mazibuko passed away on Sunday after more than five decades in the music industry. Born in Ladysmith, Embuzweni, Mazibuko joined the group in 1969 and became one of its most recognisable voices, contributing to its distinctive isicathamiya sound that earned global acclaim.

Ntuli extended his condolences to the Mazibuko family, fellow group members and music lovers across the country. Describing the late artist as a “cultural ambassador who carried the province’s heritage with dignity” Ntuli said Mazibuko’s death has robbed the province of one of its music icons. Affectionately known within the group as “the librarian”, Mazibuko was regarded as a custodian of its history, embodying institutional memory and providing guidance to younger members, particularly the sons of the group founder Joseph Shabala – whose children have since taken over as the group’s leaders. Following Shabalala’s death in 2020, Mazibuko assumed the role of sustaining the group founder’s legacy, thereby ensuring continuity in both sound and tradition.