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The memorial service of Ladysmith Black Mambazo co-founder, Albert Mazibuko which took place in Durban, 15 April 2026.
The premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, says Ladysmith Black Mambazo‘s isicathamiya music helped in the emancipation of the country during apartheid.
Ntuli was speaking at the funeral of Albert Mazibuko at Ntabamhlophe in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal.
Mazibuko, who was co-founder of the international award-winning group, died last week at the age of 77.
Ntuli says that during apartheid, people of South Africa found identity in the traditional music of Mambazo to help free themselves from poverty and political oppression.
He says Mazibuko is among the heroes whose sacrifice shouldn’t be forgotten as it benefited the people of South Africa.
“It really leaves a void because they started this music, the messages they carried through during the times of struggle; we are free as a country because of that music. The people of KZN, the nation and the world have heard their messages, and losing such an icon to us as a province is a great loss.”
Funeral service for Ladysmith Black Mambazo co-founder, Albert Mazibuko:
