Shabalala leaves song in nation’s heart

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa joined thousands of mourners who gathered at the Ladysmith Indoor Centre yesterday for the funeral of Joseph Shabalala, 78.

Speaking at the State funeral, which was attended by politicians, including Kwazulu-natal Premier Sihle Zikalala and dignitaries from the US, Ramaphosa hailed Shabalala for his resilience and determination to succeed against the odds. He said Shabalala, the founder of multiple Grammy Award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, would be nominated for the Order of Ikhamanga for his excellence in the arts

“He was a prolific composer, multitalented singer, an accomplished choreographer. He was a man of quintessential standings, an ambassador of our time. The community can hold its head up for raising a legend,” he said.

Ramaphosa said when he travelled the world, people often spoke highly of the group, which became famous after touring with Paul Simon on Graceland.

He applauded Shabalala for assembling the most beautiful voices without using instruments.

He said hostel dwellers would sing a cappella music (Isicathamiya) in low voices while tiptoeing because the noise was not allowed in the mines.

“He has made us proud of our indigenous languages,” he said.

Shabalala’s eldest son, Nkosinathi, said his father taught him many life lessons. “My heart sank when I saw him in his last days. His body was frail.

“He is now relieved from pain and sorrow.

“My father was a hard worker who woke up in the wee hours of the day to compose new songs.

“I left the band rehearsing in the morning and came back from school to find them still performing. He was a hard worker of note, a very good tactician,” he said.

Fellow artist Mbongeni Ngema said he grew up with Shabalala in the Clermont township outside Pinetown. Ngema said he advised Shabalala to distribute his music overseas because it was listened to by dominant music artists in Philadelphia.

“When I travelled overseas, I brought his music along. The feedback was awesome. It was listened to by great artists who enjoyed the rhythm although they could not understand the lyrics,” he said.

The oldest member of the band, Albert Mazibuko, commended people for supporting them over the years. Mazibuko said while on tour, the band would produce four albums.

“Shabalala always said to us it was meaningless to have talent if you do not work hard. He told us the task before us was not greater than the task ahead of us,” Mazibuko said.

Shabalala leaves his wife, Thoko Shabalala, seven children and close to 60 grandchildren.