Albert Mazibuko memorial and funeral details revealed as South Africa mourns Ladysmith Black Mambazo legend
By Bulelwa Hoala
The memorial and funeral details of the late founding member of the isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Albert Mazibuko, have been announced.
Mazibuko passed away surrounded by his family on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, following a short illness. He was 77.
According to the group’s communications manager, Xolani Majozi, the memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 15 April, at Covenant Fellowship Church International in Durban, while the funeral service will take place on Saturday, 18 April in Estcourt, Entabamhlophe (eMambazweni).
The group, which is currently on tour in the US, is set to return to South Africa on Sunday, 12 April.
Meanwhile, the South African government has paid tribute to Mazibuko in a statement shared on its official X account following his passing.
“South Africa has lost a musical legend. Government mourns the passing of Mr Albert Mazibuko (1948 – 2026), founding member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. For over 50 years, his voice brought isicathamiya to the world,” the tribute reads.
South Africa has lost a musical legend.
Government mourns the passing of Mr Albert Mazibuko (1948 – 2026), founding member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
For over 50 years, his voice brought isicathamiya to the world.
May his soul rest in peace.
#GovZAUpdates… pic.twitter.com/OwkQMOjmdQ
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 8, 2026
Mazibuko was a member of the group for 55 years after founder Joseph Shabalala invited him to join in 1969.
Following Shabalala’s retirement in 2014, Mazibuko became known as “the librarian” due to his vast knowledge of the group’s history and the wisdom he shared with younger members.
His final performance with Ladysmith Black Mambazo was at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town in 2023, where he took his last bow.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo has called for continued prayers for the Mazibuko family and has asked that they be afforded privacy during this difficult time.
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The post Funeral details confirmed for Ladysmith Black Mambazo legend Albert Mazibuko appeared first on KAYA 959.
