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The memorial service of Ladysmith Black Mambazo co-founder, Albert Mazibuko which took place in Durban, 15 April 2026.
Albert Mazibuko, co-founder of the multiple Grammy Award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, will be laid to rest at his homestead in Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Saturday.
Mazibuko passed away last week at the age of 77 following a short illness.
He was widely regarded as the unifier and historian of the group after the passing of its founder, Joseph Shabalala.
Retired group member Russell Mthembu reflects on Mazibuko’s life and his contribution to the success as well as the global achievements of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
“Mazibuko was always optimistic about this traditional music, even when things were difficult. I was always listening to him because I didn’t want to argue with him. He said once we are successful, the soil would become gold. Surprisingly, it happened as he was predicting. We always stayed focused and I think his passing was a will of God,” says Mthembu.
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