Ladysmith Black Mambazo Founding Member Albert Mazibuko Dies

Albert Mazibuko, a long-standing member of the iconic South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has died at the age of 77. The musician passed away on April 5, 2026, in KwaZulu-Natal following a short illness.

The group’s manager, Xolani Majozi, confirmed the death occurred in the early hours of Monday, April 6, 2026. The loss comes while the Isicathamiya group is currently on tour in the United States.

A Custodian of Group History

Mazibuko joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1969, dedicating more than five decades to the ensemble. Within the group, he was known as the librarian and served as the custodian of the group’s history.

In a statement released on April 6, 2026, Ladysmith Black Mambazo described Mazibuko as a saint and kind to a fault, noting that he acted as a wise elder for the younger members of the collective.

He loved traveling the world, spreading the mission and music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He never tired of talking about the group’s history and its desire to spread ‘peace, love and harmony’ everywhere people had ears to listen.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie was among those who paid tribute to the musician on April 6, 2026.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born Mdletshe Albert Mazibuko on June 1, 1948, in Ladysmith, South Africa, he was the second of six children. He grew up on a farm and, despite his father Mashumi Mazibuko’s belief in the importance of education, Albert left school early to work full-time on the farm between the ages of eight and fifteen.

Before joining the world-renowned group, Mazibuko worked as a manual laborer in various roles, including a period of employment at an asbestos factory. His musical leadership began early; at age nine in 1957, he founded his own Isicathamiya choir in Ladysmith called the Zulu Motos SS Choir.

Mazibuko’s entry into Ladysmith Black Mambazo was a family connection, as the group was founded in 1960 by his cousin, Joseph Shabalala. Albert joined the group as a tenor in 1969, alongside his brother Milton, who served as an alto.

Career Milestones and Global Impact

Mazibuko was a full-time member of the lineup from 1973 onward and remained the only original member left in the group at the time of his passing. During his tenure, the group fused indigenous Zulu songs and dances with isicathamiya, an acapella tradition characterized by a soft, shuffling dance style.

The group’s rise to prominence included several key milestones:

• A 1970 radio performance that secured a recording contract.
• The 1973 release of Amabutho, which was Africa’s first gold-selling album.
• Winning five Grammy awards.
• Featuring on Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland, which brought the group global recognition.

Mazibuko’s personal life included his marriage to Lillian Dlomo Mazibuko in 1976, after they met in 1971. The couple had four children together.

His professional journey with the group spanned from 1969 through 2025, marking a legacy of over 50 years in the music industry.