MEC Mavimbela visits Shabalala family after the passing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala
KwaZulu-Natal Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela has confirmed that through the office of Premier Sihle Zikalala the province has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting Provincial Official funeral for the late Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and lead singer Prof Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala.
MEC Mavimbela accompanied by Arts and Culture Portfolio Chairperson Vusi Dube and Director General Nonhlanhla Mkhize met with Shabalala family at his home in Ladysmith North of KwaZulu-Natal. Mshengu passed away yesterday morning in a Pretoria hospital at the age of 78 after a long illness.
The leader of the acapella male group which won four Grammy awards retired few years ago after grooming his children to join Black Mambazo. Mshengu Shabalala as affectional known in the music circle formed the group in 1960 and during his passing the group is celebrating 60 years since its formation.
“We will remember Mshengu as a lonely voice that advocated against women abuse when he composed and sang songs like Isigcino uyosala wedwa yisekaThoko ngob’uyangishaya” said MEC Mavimbela.
As the department we lost a self-appointed ambassador of Social cohesion who took responsibility and sang “Ngeke bayiqede, Nginethemba” when political violence was at its peak in the 90s.
“We salute Mshengu for passing the music baton to his children to continue his legacy and wish all musicians can take a leaf from Mshengu’s life”concluded MEC Mamvimbela.
The funeral for Mshengu will take place on 22 February 2020 in Ladysmith.
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