Tributes pour in after Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s founder Joseph Shabalala dies

The groups manager Xolani Majozi confirmed Joseph Shabalala’s death to TshisaLive explaining that the 78-year-old had died at Life Eugene Marais hospital in Pretoria.

Shabalala had retired from the legendary group in 2014 when his health started deteriorating. 

I’m blasting all Ladysmith Black Mambazo jams on @JOOXSouthAfrica today in memory of Joseph Shabalala

— Bhut’ Malume 🇿🇦 (@I_Am_Yanda) February 11, 2020

I would like to extend my condolences on the passing of Joseph Shabalala who was the founder of the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ulale ngoxolo #RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/ziWm2eQbwf

— ★Mdevah 𓃵 (@KingMdevah) February 11, 2020

RIP Joseph Shabalala I had the privellege to view a show about your life at the Soweto theatre a child of ancestors a child who was gifted in song pic.twitter.com/U9FMHQ5B4z

— Nelisiwe (@FikileMuhles20) February 11, 2020

Joseph Shabalala the founder and lead singer of Ladysmith Black Mambazo died this morning. He will always occupy a very special place in the hearts of workers who stayed in the apartheid single sex hostels. #RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/4PQBDfEZAr

— SAFTU (@SAFTU_media) February 11, 2020

Sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Bab’Joseph Shabalala who made an indelible mark in South Africa and the world through Isichatamiya. Your music will forever live on. #RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/PDD5VybzIZ

— The Funeral Helper – Nokuthula Vezi (@funeralhelperza) February 11, 2020

You gave the world a good show beautiful songs that you sang, you pioneered the Creative industry and became a patriot of our great Nation, today the Universe will mourn your departure.

Rest in eternal peace Prof Joseph Shabalala.

#RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/e7uLsKnjVS

— Mfundoyakhe Shezi 🇿🇦 (@Mfundoyakhe_S) February 11, 2020

It was reported that the Shabalala family would issue an official statement later in the day.