Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala dies, condolences pour in
Joseph Shabalala, the founder of multi-Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has died.
He passed away in hospital in Pretoria this morning, at the age of 78.
The internationally renowned choral group is currently on tour in the US with performances due in California and Washington.
Shabalala, who founded the five-time Grammy-winning outfit in 1960, has influenced the music of various artists in South Africa.
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Government has tweeted a short message extending its condolences to his family.
"We would like to extend our condolences on the passing of Joseph Shabalala who was the founder of the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ulale ngoxolo Tata ugqatso lwakho ulufezile," the tweet read.
Messages of condolences have been pouring in:
We would like to extend our condolences on the passing of Joseph Shabalala who was the founder of the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ulale ngoxolo Tata ugqatso lwakho ulufezile. #RIPJosephShabalala [Photo: Flicker: Seth Gordon] pic.twitter.com/Sazg9hoWew
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 11, 2020
My friend... a giant humble man , Joseph Shabalala, passed away this morning.
— Hotstix (@siphohotstix) February 11, 2020
My sincere condolences to his family and friends #RIPJosephShabalala Rest In Peace Joseph 😰 pic.twitter.com/YkLggD6EPM
#RIPJosephShabalala the founder and musical director of the five times grammy winning South African group @therealmambazo
— eThekwini Municipality (@eThekwiniM) February 11, 2020
Akalalanga uguqe ngamadolo.#RIPJOSEPHSHABALALA pic.twitter.com/VPtPzBqc7Z
Thank you for the music and your gift 🙏🏾♥️ #RipJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/zNqidY3CI7
— Vuyolwethu Ngcukana (@vuyomse) February 11, 2020
We are devastated to learn of the passing of gallant Son of Afrika #JosephShabalala, father, brother, visionary & intellectual.
— PAC OF AZANIA - PAC (@PACAZANIA59) February 11, 2020
We offer our condolences to the family and fans of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. #RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/c3OOGUlCDT
You gave the world a good show beautiful songs that you sang, you pioneered the Creative industry and became a patriot of our great Nation, today the Universe will mourn your departure.
— Mfundoyakhe Shezi 🇿🇦 (@Mfundoyakhe_S) February 11, 2020
Rest in eternal peace Prof Joseph Shabalala.
#RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/e7uLsKnjVS
He left a mark in the music industry! Iqhawe lama qhawe. If Legacy was a person, that you sir! ❤️ You'll forever be missed but your legacy lives on. #RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/gJiaHPh4vf
— BrownSkinBoy 🇿🇦 (@Bonginkosi_26) February 11, 2020
