The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Ms Nontembeko Boyce, has joined South Africa and the international community at large in mourning the passing of legendary musician, Dr Joseph Shabalala.
The virtuoso who is best known as the founding member and lead singer of the multiple Grammy Award winning Isicathamiya group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, passed away today after a long illness.
In conveying her condolences to the Shabalala family, KZN Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce described Joseph Shabalala as one the country’s greatest musical exports whose musical contributions had drawn the attention of the world to South Africa for close to six decades.
Until he started growing increasingly frail due to ill-health, Dr Joseph Shabalala played a leading role as the edifice that held Ladysmith Black Mambazo together since the group's formation in 1964.
“As a province and the country we have lost a doyen of immense musical talent, we are deeply saddened by the passing of uBaba uJoseph Shabalala. While he had been sick for some time, we kept hoping that he would eventually recuperate however it was not to be. On behalf of the entire KZN legislature, we wish his family strength during this time,” the Speaker said.
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