Memorial service of Professor Joseph Shabalala was held in Durban Playhouse yesterday. This memorial service followed the one which was held in Ladysmith Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday.
Professor Joseph Shabalala who died last week on Tuesday. Picture: www.facebook.com/gagasifm_that drive/
Founder and the former leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Group died last week on Tuesday at the hospital in Pretoria after he has been sick for a while.
Phindile “PhindiP” Phewa from Ukhozi FM directed the service from the beginning right up to an end. The first speaker was his friend from United States of America, Stanley Bradley, who was trying to speak few words in IsiZulu. He said they have know each other for 25 years, while breaking into tears during his speech.
Phindile “PhindiP” Phewa who was the program director at the memorial service of the late founder and former of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Group. Picture: www.facebook.com/phindile_phewa
“You know him as a singer, but I know him as a Prophet. I thank God for his life, I met Jesus through him. He was a good friend. I want to tell you that America is hurting, Americans are crying, “ Bradley said.
Gagamela Shabalala, who was speaking on behalf of his Grandchildren said they thank God for the moments and every memories they had with their Grandfather. In addition, he said Shabalala touched everyone with his humanity and his spirituality. Concluded by appreciating their Grandmother for taking good care of their Grandfather. Sindi Shabalala, who spoke on behalf of his children, passed her gratitude to their father for the life he gave them. She also said that living with him and being raised by him was amazing.
Gagamela and Sindi Shabalala paying their last tribute to Professor Joseph Mshengu at Playhouse. Picture: Sandile Ndlovu
Amongst other speakers, there was Sipho Sithole, Samro representative, Xolani Majozi who is the manager of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sbongi Ngcobo who the station manager of Ukhozi FM, and Thokozani “T’zozo” Zulu who is the Chairperson of Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) in KZN. T’zozo complained about how less our country respected Shabalala while other countries respected him more than South Africa. On behalf of the Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, was Speaker of eThekwini, Cllr Weziwe Thusi.
Different artists came to comfort the family, Nyuswa Home Boys, Mbuso Khoza, Thulani Ga Ndlela, Young Mbazo Dumi Mkokstad, Thee Legacy and Maqhinga Hadebe with Qadasi.
Young Mbazo, performing during the memorial service at the Durban Playhouse yesterday. Picture: Blessing Sithole
Mbuso Khoza is one the artist who was at the memorial service of the late Legend Mr Joseph Shabalala. Picture: Blessing Sithole
Pastor Vusi Dube of EThekwini Community Church (ECC), who is the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee in KZN confirmed that Mshengu will get a state send off. Nkosinathi Shabalala, one of Mshengu’s sons, also made an announcement that President Cyril Ramaphosa promise to attended the funeral. Today at 1 pm, there will be another memorial service at Standard Bank Arena in Gauteng. The funeral is on Saturday at AG Magubane Sports Grounds in Ladysmith.
