Founder of Grammy award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala, has died at the age of 78. The star died following a long illness. Joseph was part of the iconic group for 50 years before announcing his retirement in 2013.
The South African Government confirmed the sad news with a social media post expressing its condolences. It said in part; “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.”
Tributes have started pouring in from his friends and fans.
Tributes pour in following Joseph Shabalala’s death. May his soul rest in peace.
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
May your great spirit Rest In Power Baba Joseph Shabalala?. #RIPJosephShabalala #LadysmithBlackMambazo #AfricanPride #SpiritualMusic pic.twitter.com/7FNCAD6nGn
— MkhuluWeSivivane | #CountryDuty #Ubuntu ????? (@Mkhulu_Sivivane) February 11, 2020
One of the greatest achievements of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the leadership of Dr Shabalala, was the ability to pass the baton to a younger generation, great as they were. #RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/DXnmzV1Qfx
— Mathetha Mokonyama (@MathethaM) February 11, 2020
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#RIPJOSEPHSHABALALA A real Legend is no more. Rest easy baba. We love you. pic.twitter.com/KAR7BHsx1s
— Mmapaseka Andronicah Sefularo (@MmapasekaAndro1) February 11, 2020
Founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Joseph Shabalala has past on. #RIPJosephShabalala #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/KX794zzJFp
— ?P a b l o 巴勃罗?? (@Punisher_ZAR) February 11, 2020
Lalangoxolo qhawe lamaqhawe???? #RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/wJ37i7UqpB
— Mbulelo Dlamini (@mbulelodlamini) February 11, 2020
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What a loss! His contribution to the music industry and culture of South African Traditional music will live on for generations to come. May his spirit live long #RIPJosephShabalala ??? https://t.co/MDWITqfdB7
— Asambe Travel SA (@asambe_sa) February 11, 2020
#RIPJosephShabalala My condolences to family and friends. We lost a legend as a country. May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/9KJdIUIzAx
— Percy Maila ⚕️ (@piixsrg) February 11, 2020