Shabalala (right) and fellow Ladysmith
Black Mambazo member Albert Mazibuko with
Paul Simon in 1986 (Mediapunch/Rex)As well as success and acclaim, he experienced tragedy: two of his brothers and another choir member were
murdered and, in 2002, he was wounded and his wife of 30 years was killed outside their home by a masked
gunman. His son Nkosinathi was charged with orchestrating the murder but acquitted.
Shabalala recovered from the shooting and continued to lead Ladysmith Black Mambazo as a recording and
touring choir until in 2014 he announced his retirement. His son Thamsanqa took over leadership.
In retirement Shabalala promoted the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Foundation which aimed to teach Zulu
children about their musical heritage.
He is survived by his second wife, Thokozile Maduna, five sons and a daughter.
Joseph Shabalala, musician, born 28 August 1941, died 11 February 2020