Lebo M honoured the late Joseph Shabalala through a moving night of music, bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate the life and legacy of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media
A night of harmony and heritage filled Durban’s Playhouse Company as acclaimed producer and composer Lebo M, born Lebohang Morake, honoured the late Dr Joseph Shabalala, founder of the world-renowned group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The concert, titled “African Icons Tribute Concert”, brought together artists from across South Africa, including Thee Legacy, Mnqobi Yazo, Kelly Khumalo, Boity, Phila Dlozi, Big Zulu, Blaq Diamond, Lebo M and Joseph’s son, Nkosinathi Shabalala.
Minnie Dlamini hosted the event.
Hours before the concert, a statement was issued that certain members of the Dr Joseph Shabalala Foundation had filed an urgent application to halt the show. The application was struck off the court roll with costs, allowing the concert to proceed as planned.
Lebo M addressed the incident, saying, “It is deeply sad that some members of the Dr Joseph Shabalala Foundation attempted what can only be described as a heist through the courts and even worse, involved a vulnerable widow on a day meant to honour the memory of their father.
"Our efforts in producing this inaugural special event, with zero sponsorship, are rooted in love, legacy and respect. This victory affirms that no sabotage or falsehood will silence our mission to honour my hero, Dr Shabalala, and to fulfil the request of our client and friend, Nkosinathi Shabalala.”
Nkosinathi Shabalala also spoke about the court outcome, stating, “This is not just a legal victory, it is a moral victory. My father’s legacy belongs to the people, not to those who seek to misuse his name for personal agendas.
"The ‘African Icons Tribute Concert’ will go ahead as a beacon of unity, cultural pride and resilience.”
The event was hosted by Minnie Dlamini, who guided the evening with poise and warmth.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media
The concert itself was a celebration of music, memory and heritage.
Audience members danced and sang through the night, embracing the spirit of the late icon's work.
Lebo M said, “It has been my passion since Bab’ Shabalala passed away five years ago. When Nkosinathi asked us to think about how to honour him, I decided to produce a concert. I hope it will inspire those still dreaming of making a global impact, just as Bab’ Shabalala’s work inspired me to dream before I was even ten years old.”
He reflected on personal memories with the late legend: “My most special memory is when I asked Bab’ Shabalala to be my special guest at Disney Orlando."
"The studio work we did to prepare for that event was important, but more importantly, every time we saw each other, he gave me that powerful smile like I was one of his own. He would immediately express how proud he was of me.”
Lebo M honoured the late Joseph Shabalala through a moving night of music, bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate the life and legacy of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media
Lebo M shared the guiding principles, inspired by Joseph, he carries forward: “My core three pillars, inspired by him, are and always will be: spread joy through music, spread love through music and unite the world through music.”
Nkosinathi used the event to reflect on culture and heritage, particularly for young people.
“I’m happy. The words I’d like to throw forward, especially to the youth, are to not abandon our customs and to always remember them. You become a person by knowing your origins."
"If you don’t know your grandparents and great-grandparents or research your lineage, you will struggle to understand where you belong. It is important for us to teach young people about their origin.”
Nkosinathi Shabalala, son of the late Dr Joseph Shabalala, took the stage with a sense of purpose and pride, carrying forward his father’s legacy.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media
Boity spoke about the significance of Heritage Month and what it means to her.
“Heritage Month is a brilliant reminder of where we come from, who we are and how we should stay rooted in remembering that. It keeps us grounded and appreciative of everyone who came before us and created this life.
It is about Ubuntu, loving each other and recognising how powerful we are as a people. South Africans are diverse, yet we can create something beautiful together.”
Reflecting on her personal connection to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, she said, “There are so many memories. Almost every song reminds me of my late grandparents. One passed last year, the other two years ago.
Their music brings me back to my hometown, to my home. It makes me feel very much at home. When I hear Ladysmith Black Mambazo, I think of being in the pots as a little kid and the joy of my grandparents.”