A legend takes his final bow: Black Mambazo’s Albert Mazibuko dies at 79

Johannesburg – Albert Mazibuko, a founding member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has passed away at the age of 79 following a short illness.

The group announced that he died on Easter Sunday, describing him as a “wise elder” and a key figure who spent 55 years with the legendary ensemble after joining in 1969 at the request of founder Joseph Shabalala.

After Shabalala’s retirement in 2014, Mazibuko took on a guiding role for younger members.

“Dear Friends. It is with immense sadness that we tell you that our brother, Albert Mazibuko, has left us this Easter Sunday to be with his savior in heaven. Mdletshe Albert Mazibuko, or just “Albert” to anyone who ever met him, was the best of the best,” the group posted on Facebook.

“Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder, Joseph Shabalala, asked Albert to join his singing group in 1969, and for the next 55 years, that’s right, 55 years, Albert was a member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.“

“He was Joseph’s right-hand man.” When Joseph retired in 2014, it was Albert who became the wise elder for the younger members of the group.“

He was remembered as kind-hearted, passionate about sharing the group’s history, and dedicated to spreading its message of “peace, love and harmony” worldwide.

In recent years, he also served as the group’s main spokesperson.

“Albert never tired of talking about the group’s history and its desire to spread “Peace, Love and Harmony” everywhere people had ears to listen.“

“Albert became the main interviewee for members of the press who wanted to speak with the group. He never said No to a chance to talk about Ladysmith Black Mambazo.“

Mazibuko had stopped touring in 2025 due to his age.

Tributes have since poured in, with music executive Sipho Sithole describing his death as a profound loss to both South Africa and the global music community.