The Legend who helped introduce the traditional Zulu music to the world, Joseph Shabalala has died at age 78
Joseph Shabalala who was well known as the director and founder of the Ladysmith black Mambazo choral group. The group had gone on to win Grammy awards and got featured on Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album”.
The Choral group also surpassed others by reaching number 15 in the UK charts with a cover for “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”for the Rugby World cup in 1995.
The band manager let out the news of his date stating that he passed away in an hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. The band manager later said the group is on a US tour, but will be informed about the demise of their band founder and director.
The band later released a statement on their Twitter page saying;
“We celebrate and honor your kind heart and your extraordinary life.Through your music and the millions who you came in contact with, You shall live forever”.
See post below;
Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala
Our Founder, our Teacher and most importantly, our Father left us today for eternal peace. We celebrate and honor your kind heart and your extraordinary life. Through your music and the millions who you came in contact with, you shall live forever. pic.twitter.com/2eDNFDUAGf— Ladysmith Black Mambazo (@therealmambazo) February 11, 2020
The South African Government also paid tribute to the legend, by extending condolences to his family in a published write up which read
“Ulale ngoxolo tata ugqatso iwakho ulufezile” (Rest in peace,father,your race is complete)
The legend i survived by his wife and four children. May his soul rest in peace.
