Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Local Imbube creatives have hailed the late Mdletshe Albert Mazibuko of South Africa’s five-time Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo as a legend, who helped pioneer Imbube/Isicathamiya music and bring it to global audiences. Mazibuko died on April 5, 2026, at the age of 77 following a brief illness, while the rest of the group was on tour in the United States.
Mdletshe joined Black Mambazo in 1969, after the group’s founder, Dr Joseph Shabalala, recruited him that year. He served the group for 55 years.
When he retired in 2014, it was Mdletshe who became the wise elder for the younger members of the group, a moving library who knew the journey of Black Mambazo.
As condolences pour in from around the world for the Mazibuko family and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Zimbabwean Imbube creatives also mourned Mdletshe, praising his dedication and the sacrifices he made to share African culture with global audiences.
Austria-based musician Vusa Mkhaya of Imbube group Insingizi expressed his sadness over Mdletshe’s death, describing him as a devoted stalwart, who gave his all to uplifting Imbube music.
“I had the honour of meeting him in 2019 when we invited Ladysmith Black Mambazo to perform at the Kasumama Festival, while I was part of the team responsible for booking artistes. They drove eight hours to get there, and even as the oldest member of the group, he never complained.
“What stayed with me wasn’t just his incredible voice, but his warmth, humility and quiet presence. A friend of mine had a birthday that day, and I asked if he could sing her a birthday song with the group. He didn’t hesitate. I filmed it and sent it to her; she still talks about it to this day.
“Sharing space with someone whose music carried so much history and soul was truly special. He wasn’t just a legendary performer; he was a kind and genuine human being. May his voice and spirit live on,” said Mkhaya.
Sotja Moyo, who is the co-founder of Black Umfolosi, said the creation of their ensemble was inspired by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
“When we created our group in 1982, we were inspired by Black Mambazo, because they represented our culture and identity. Guys like Mdletshe carried the message of peace, love, and harmony as they toured the world. This is also the same message that we are preaching as Black Umfolosi.
“Touring the world was also our dream, and because of the way they paved the way for all of us as African Imbube musicians, we later saw ourselves moving in their direction and getting appreciation in the universe.
“In Mdletshe, we’ve lost a dedicated legend, who was humble despite achieving everything with Black Mambazo. He ran his race very well, and together with the late Joseph Shabalala, they managed to groom the next generation of the ensemble, which is still doing exceptionally well,” said Moyo.
Philani Donga, who is the leader of Imbube group Great Stars iJongosi, said Mdletshe inspired the new-age Imbube groups, as they copied and maintained the style of Black Mambazo legends.
“In Mdletshe, we’ve lost a great man who made immense contributions to the growth of Imbube music. Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s style of singing and choreography set the standard for the genre.
Even today, we find ourselves emulating their rhythms and dance moves, a clear sign of the lasting impact they’ve had on the music,” said Donga.
Dates and arrangements for Mdletshe’s burial are yet to be announced.
