Albert Mazibuko, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Longtime Member and 'Wise Elder,' Dies at 77

Albert Mazibuko, a key figure in the South African choral ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo, passed away on Sunday at the age of 77 following a brief illness. The group lauded him as a "wise elder" and "kind to a fault." He became a member in 1969, having been invited by founder Joseph Shabalala. Renowned for their fusion of Zulu music and isicathamiya, Ladysmith Black Mambazo rose to prominence after a radio performance in 1970 and released Africa's inaugural gold-selling album, Amabutho, in 1973. Their international fame soared with Paul Simon's 1986 album Graceland. Mazibuko, who worked in a cotton factory during apartheid, celebrated the 1994 election. Currently, the Grammy-winning group is on tour in the US, with Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie recognizing him as a "custodian of a uniquely South African sound."