Tributes pour in for Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder

News of Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala’s death has sent a wave of sadness across the country.

Group manager Xolani Majozi confirmed to SowetanLIVE’s sister publication TshisaLIVE that the Grammy Award-winning group’s founder was with his wife, Thokozile Shabalala, during his last moments.

#RIPJosephShabalala " Umuntu ongazi ucabanga ukuthi uyaz, kanti akazi lutho.. Owaziyo uvele enze kwenzeke" Leli lungelo nge lakho… Ayolala amaqhawe kusale izolibongo. pic.twitter.com/meYdyhUiZk

— 🎲MAFUNGASE _Ms Gush Gush Gesh.™ (@Sabs_Mafungase) February 11, 2020

Shabalala died on Tuesday morning at Life Eugene Marais Hospital in Tshwane at the age of 78, while Ladysmith Black Mambazo was on tour in the US.

https://twitter.com/MrThobz/status/1227145067384754177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1227145067384754177&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sowetanlive.co.za%2Fnews%2Fsouth-africa%2F2020-02-11-tributes-pour-in-for-ladysmith-black-mambazo-founder-joseph-shabalala%2F

“Yes, it’s true. Mr Shabalala passed on this morning. The group (Ladysmith Black Mambazo) is on tour in the US, but they have been informed and are devastated because the group is family,” Majozi said.

Shabalala’s family would issue an official statement later in the day, he added.

Saddened by the news of Joseph’s death, South Africans took to social media to express their sorrow.

We would like to extend our condolences on the passing of Joseph Shabalala who was the founder of the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ulale ngoxolo Tata ugqatso lwakho ulufezile. #RIPJosephShabalala [Photo: Flicker: Seth Gordon] pic.twitter.com/Sazg9hoWew

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 11, 2020

Joseph Shabalala of the Grammy multi-award winning scathamiya group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has died. pic.twitter.com/mgEnEzxAn8

— Sihle To You ✍🏿️📝 (@SihleSays) February 11, 2020

#RIPJosephShabalala aowa ban bra joe Gone pic.twitter.com/7ukMoqkBuV

— Xoliso Sithole (@XOLISO_SA) February 11, 2020

Rest in Peace, Mshengu.
Your legacy lives #JosephShabalala#BlackMambazo pic.twitter.com/yXJaYBTFh7

— Chike le Chakane (@chike_chakane) February 11, 2020