WATCH: Young Mbazo pay tribute to Joseph Shabalala
Babuyile Shabalala said his grandfather hoped his music would bring unity to South Africa.
THE KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Summer Symphony series started on Thursday, 13 February with a special appearance from choral group, Young Mbazo who performed a tribute to music legend, Joseph Shabalala.
The group is comprised of the sons and grandson’s of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s members- the iconic choral group that took traditional isicathamiya music to the world, was founded by Shabalala in the 1960’s.
The tribute came in the wake of Shabalala’s passing on 11 February.
Lucky Malinga, spokesperson for Young Mbazo, recalled Shabalala’s music legacy.
“He empowered us so much in the way that he opened doors to a lot of musicians here during those past struggles. It was really hard, but he paved the way for us,” he said.
For grandson, Babuyile Shabalala, it was a bitter sweet performance.
“It felt great. It was a bit emotional, but we were able to console ourselves and do what we were asked to do, to celebrate our grandfather, because that is what we are doing now that we are in mourning,” he said.
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He added that his grandfather hoped his music would bring unity to South Africa.
“If there was one message that he wanted to leave behind it was: No matter what is going on, let there be peace, let their be love, let their be harmony,” said Shabalala.
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Bongani Tembe, CEO and Artistic Director of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, introduced Young Mambazo.
“You’ll remember in the 80’s what [Joseph Shabalala] and Paul Simon taught the world. He really put South African music on the international map,” he said.
The tribute was performed during the first interval of the concert which was conducted by Yasuo Shinozaki and featuring soloist Francios du Toit on the piano.
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