Baba Mshengu might step back

The 72-year-old is currently recovering from an operation he underwent after the famous a capella group returned home after a recent tour of China. He even missed the opening night of ‘Amambazo: The Musical’, a new stage production that tells the story of LBM and their rise to fame during the apartheid era.

According to the Daily Sun, a close family member has implied that the legendary singer’s retirement might be imminent, but there has been no official announcement.

“This is all we’re prepared to tell you until Mshengu fully recovers,” said the family member.

“There won’t be any more details about his operation or his retirement at the moment.”

Xolani Majozi, executive producer for the ‘Amambazo’ musical, confirmed that Shabalala is recovering from an operation, saying: “Baba Mshengu is not well after his operation. He is resting peacefully at home.

“We hope he will be able to make an appearance on the closing day of the show on Sunday.”

Shabalala founded LBM in the early 1960s, when it was initially comprised of his brothers and close relatives who lived in various villages within Ladysmith.

His son, Thamsanqa, will take over as lead singer if his father retires from his 50-year-long career in the music industry, having already assumed this role.