Diana Kinyanjui 
Internationally acclaimed producer, composer, and cultural ambassador Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake is set to honour the life of late Grammy winner Joseph Shabalala during a concert on 24 September at the Durban Playhouse.
The Grammy Award-winning, Oscar-nominated music maestro behind Disney’s The Lion King will also feature the world premiere of Nkosinathi Shabalala’s music video Imisebenzi, celebrating the legacy of his father Joseph Shabalala, founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The entire celebration is in honour of the pioneer of the five-time Grammy-winning Group and 15-time Grammy-nominated Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
“Bab Shabalala deserves the honour. He deserves the recognition. I don’t think South Africa understands the impact and role he has played in the identity of South African music on a global scale,” Morake said.
“He passed away five years ago. The month of September is also his birthday month as well as Heritage month, making it very fitting. We have been culturally colonised by other sounds like R& B and Jazz, but his music outlived all of these genres,” Mokake added.
Joseph Shabalala’s artistry took South African music from the streets of Ladysmith to the world’s biggest stages.
Lebo M has created a platform to celebrate Shabalala’s influence and preserve African heritage through music, storytelling, and live performance.
“The South African government entities have never really understood the significance of having a Grammy. It is the biggest achievement, especially as an African,” Morake said.
“He created a path of success with his originality and being himself and unique. Young people need to know there is more than one way to gain success as an artist and musician. His son, Nkosinathi, is signed to my label – so we are introducing him as well as showing his music video.”
The Heritage Day Tribute Concert will feature performances by South Africa’s top artists, including Big Zulu, Khuzani, Blaq Diamond, Sjava, Boity Thulo, Mnqobi Yazo, Naima Kay, TheeLegacy, and Nkosinathi Shabalala, hosted by MC Minnie Dlamini.
SALM TEAM 
