Lebo M To Honour Late Ladysmith Black Mambazo Musician Joseph Shabalala With Durban Tribute Concert

• South African award-winning composer Lebo M has announced a tribute concert dedicated to Joseph Shabalala
• There is a star-studded lineup for the show, which is going to take place in Durban in September
• Lebo M feels as though the country owes the late Ladysmith Black Mambazo singer an acknowledgement for his immense contribution to the arts

Durban is set to erupt with excitement as it celebrates a music legend! The Lion King music composer Lebohang 'Lebo M' Morake will be bringing some of Mzansi's finest on stage to honour the late Joseph Shabalala.

Shabalala is known as the founder of the Grammy-winning music group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He sadly lost his life in February 2020. However, his life and career were documented in a show called Music Is My Life - The Story of Joseph Shabalala. The documentary aired on SABC 1 on 28 August 2023.

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Now, Lebo M wants to keep the momentum going by putting together a music show dedicated to Shabalala.

All about Lebo M's tribute show

According to TshisaLIVE, the show will highlight Joseph Shabalala's distinct musical contribution and the legacy he left behind. Gracing the stage is TV personality Minnie Dlamini, Nkosinathi Shabalala, rapper Boity, Maskandi musician Khuzani and Big Zulu. Lebo M also announced that there will be surprise guests.

“In my view, Joseph Shabalala is the greatest musician we've exported, and his credentials can be traced to this day. Such artists paved the way for many into the international music market, so there's no better way to celebrate him than through this concert.”

The show is said to be a national celebration as it brings together people's heritage and love for music.

“This is not just a tribute; it’s a national celebration of heritage, music and a legend who deserves his flowers.”

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The show will be taking place at the Durban Playhouse on Heritage Day on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.

The proudly Iscathamiya group is still making waves as they recently won a prestigious award at the inaugural Ziyakhala Mo Sun City. The ceremony was started by Ukhozi FM, recognising traditional music, culture, and fashion. The group walked away with a gong at the ceremony, which took place on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at the Sun City Superbowl.

In their acceptance speech, the new leader said, "This is Ladysmith Black Mambazo. We would like to thank the SABC for this amazing gift. Thank you very much to our fans for supporting us through all these years. 65 years in the music industry. Thank you," he said.

"We stand humbled and honoured. Ukhozi FM celebrated us for the role we’ve played in nurturing and growing umculo wesintu — our indigenous music. From the hills of Ladysmith to stages around the world, we’ve carried the sounds of our ancestors with pride.”

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Shabalala's son fights for legacy

In a previous report from Briefly News, there was drama amongst the sons of the late Ladysmith Black Mambazo legend Joseph Shabalala.

The eldest son, Nkosinathi Shabalala, came forward and revealed that he had been sidelined from his father's legacy and that his brothers allegedly committed fraud.

Source: Briefly News