Gauteng mourns Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder, Joseph Shabalala
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary artist Joseph Shabalala, founder of Grammy award winning scathamiya music group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Having been formed in 1960, the group is reported as the longest ever surviving music group in the world.
Says MEC Mbali Hlophe “It is with sadness that we learn of the passing of a musical giant, the humble uBab’Joseph Shabalala. Through his vision he put the country and the entire Africa on the international map. He made his group a mobile academy of South African cultural heritage through its African indigenous isicathamiya music”.
“He is a pride of our nation, who together with his group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, did more for our country and the entire Africa through music. They took an authentic sound of our nation into the world which has been rewarded with 5 international Grammy Awards and 17 nominations.
“Though sad, we are happy that his legacy will live forever because the group continues to work hard and achieve more successes. He will forever be an inspiration.
“On behalf of the people of Gauteng I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Shabalala family, friends and the entire music industry.
“May his beautiful soul rest in peace, says MEC Mbali Hlophe.
Enquiries:
Thabo Sephuma: MEC’s spokesperson
Cell: 066 299 1139
Tel: 011 355 2789
E-mail: Thabo.Sephuma@gauteng.gov.za
OR
Nomazwe Ntlokwana: Departmental spokesperson on:
Email: Nomazwe.Ntlokwana@gauteng.gov.za
Cell: 083 507 8068 I Tell: 011 355 2578
