By Scott Iwasaki
Deseret Morning News

I'm a little sad this week.

It started on Tuesday. I learned that Ben Shabalala, a former member of the South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was shot and killed June 16, in Durban, South Africa.

Details of his death were minimal. But a press release from the group said Shabalala, brother of Ladysmith's founder Joseph Shabalala, died suddenly and terribly.

I concluded that his death probably wasn't from an accidental shooting.

"Ben was not just my brother, but is part of my history. He is part of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's legacy. While his life has ended in this terrible way, his voice, his memory and his spirit will continue on with Ladysmith Black Mambazo," said Joseph Shabalala in the release.

This news coming on the heels of the passing of Ray Charles made it that much more heart-wrenching. Shabalala was preceded in death by another former Ladysmith band mate, Geophrey Mdletdshe, who died in November 2000.

Ben Shabalala joined Ladysmith in 1979. He was with the group when they recorded Paul Simon's Grammy-winning 1986 album "Graceland" and went on tour with Simon later that year.

Shabalala was still in the group when Ladysmith recorded and won a Grammy for its 1987 album "Shaka Zulu."

In 1993, Shabalala left Ladysmith to be with family. And the group respected his decision.

When the news of Shabalala's death reached Ladysmith, which is currently in the United States touring in support of its new album "Raise Your Spirit Higher," the group decided to continue the tour in his memory.

I have a strong affinity for the group. I was introduced to it, as were many Americans, through "Graceland." And I remember seeing it on "Sesame Street" when I was channel surfing one day.

I remember when I first saw the group live. It was back in 1999. I'll always remember the message of unity, the humor, the messages of love and peace and the sweet 10-man harmonies.

I remember talking with Joseph Shabalala a couple of weeks prior to the show. The man was full of joy and just wanted to make people happy with music. He told me his philosophy that day.

"What I mean by respect is the deep respect one can have for enemies, animals, the world, the earth's soil — not just gifts and feelings for friends. Through that kind of respect, a person can get back to what we originally are — beings living in harmony."

At that point of my life, I needed to hear those words.

It seems unfair that unfortunate things like this happen to people who are trying to do good in this world. But that's a part of life. My heart is with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Carry on, my friends.