Many people have been affected by the passing away of one of the founders of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Albert Mazibuko, who died in a Durban hospital on Sunday after an illness.
The director of the Soweto Central Chorus group that recorded the song with Mambazo The Day to ComeManzini Zungu, said they were saddened by Mazibuko’s death.
“The last time we saw him was at the Christmas with Mambazo event in Durban, which he attended as a spectator, continuing to inspire with his presence. His life and work left an everlasting history in music in South Africa and all those who were lucky enough to know him will remember him,” said Zungu.
He said he was an inspiration to everyone.
“Collaboration inThe Day to Come and performing together on different stages, left us with a memory we will never forget.”
The owner of a recording company who is also an academic, Sipho Sithole, said that not only South Africa has lost but the whole world.
“Over the past years, Albert Mazibuko has been helping me and being an important source of information when I was writing a book about the life of the late Joseph Shabalala. He and I visited Theku and the townships he built as well as the farms in Mnambithi where Joseph Shabalala and Albert Mazibuko grew up as workers and tenants,” said Sithole.
He said he will never forget her.
The Prime Minister of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, said that Mazibuko’s role in promoting traditional music in the world will never be forgotten.
“We urge all the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the world at large to keep the Mazibuko family in their prayers at this difficult time and to honor his role by celebrating the music and culture he has preserved,” said Ntuli.
The Mayor of Durban, Mr. Cyril Xaba, encouraged young artists to learn from Mazibuko about self-respect and humility.
“Albert Mazibuko was more than a musician, he taught artists who came from behind and was someone they looked up to. His death is not a loss for his family and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but for the whole country,” said Xaba.
People expressed their condolences on the social media platform Instagram. Jeremy Loops said he will be greatly missed.
Sekgwama Makhosazane said: “Well, rest in peace father, his work is great, thank you.”
“Thank you for the music, father Mazibuko, rest in peace,” said Pearlzzz