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Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Tshabalala dies
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The Swazi Observer, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Tshabalala dies >>
By Mphikeleli Msibi
A member of South Africa's most famous acappella ensemble, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has died. This was confirmed by the group's record company on Tuesday. Jockey Tshabalala was 62 years old when he met his death.
The group's member, whose brother Joseph founded and still leads Ladysmith Black Mambazo, died on Saturday of natural causes, surrounded by family at his home in Ladysmith, said Mike Wilpizeski, a spokesman for the US-based Heads Up International record label. "He had suffered from various ailments," he said.
Jockey Tshabalala joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the 1960s and featured on Paul Simon's 'Graceland' album which captivated world audiences and won the Grammy Award for album of the year in 1986. He continued to tour and record with the group until early last year when they won a second Grammy for their recording 'Raise Your Spirit Higher'. He then retired from international travel to spend more time with his family, but continued to perform in South Africa.
The group, which fuses Zulu and gospel music traditions, was touring the United States to promote their latest release, 'Long Walk to Freedom' when news of Tshabalala's death reached them. Joseph Tshabalala said they would not interrupt the tour. "
We must continue to spread our culture and message of peace, love and harmony," he said in the statement from Cambridge, Massachusetts. "Jockey helped me and the rest of the group on this mission for almost 40 years. As we were performing tonight's encore song, 'Amazing Grace', I could hear his voice, once again, as part of our harmony. I'll always hear his voice, even as he is now with God."
Jockey is survived by his wife and four children. A funeral service is planned for Saturday in Ladysmith. 03/03/06 >> go there
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