The world of music is in mourning following the death of Albert Mazibuko
, a stalwart and founding member of the iconic South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Mazibuko, who dedicated over 50 years to the Grammy-winning ensemble, passed away on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, at the age of 77.
The Passing of a Legend
Ladysmith Black Mambazo confirmed the news on Monday morning, April 6, describing Mazibuko as a “guiding elder” and a “saint” who embodied the group’s mission of spreading “peace, love, and harmony”. He passed away in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
According to a family spokesperson, Mazibuko appeared to be in good health throughout the day on Sunday and “never complained of any pain or illness”. However, later that afternoon, he began struggling to breathe and was rushed to a doctor, but unfortunately, he did not survive the sudden collapse. While the exact medical cause of death has not been officially confirmed, preliminary reports from news outlets like SABC News and News South Africa indicate he had been “battling illness” recently.
A Life in Harmony
Albert Mazibuko joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1969 at the request of his cousin and the group’s founder, Joseph Shabalala. His contributions were instrumental to the group’s global success, which included:
- Five Grammy Awards and 16 nominations.
- The groundbreaking collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland album.
- Collaborations with world-renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and Josh Groban.
After Joseph Shabalala’s retirement in 2014, Mazibuko took on an even more prominent role as the “librarian” and primary spokesperson for the group, ensuring the legacy of isicathamiya music continued to flourish. He had only recently stepped back from rigorous international touring due to his age, having officially parted ways with the group’s heavy performance schedule in May 2025.
Tributes Pour In
News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across South Africa and the international music community. Fans and colleagues on platforms like eNCA have hailed him as a “cultural custodian” whose soulful voice helped define South African music for decades.
The group has stated that further updates regarding funeral arrangements and memorials will be shared in the coming days.
