Ex-Ladysmith Black Mambazo singer killed

[Chris D]

DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- Ben Shabalala, a longtime member of South Africa's most famous a cappella ensemble, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was shot and killed on June 16. He was believed to be in his late 40s.

Shabalala, whose brother Joseph founded and still leads the group, was killed in a Durban suburb under unknown circumstances, said Mike Wilpizeski, a spokesman for the U.S.-based Heads Up International record label.
Police were investigating Tuesday.

Ben Shabalala first joined the band in 1979. He was with the group when it accompanied Paul Simon on his "Graceland" album, which captivated world audiences and won the Grammy Award for album of the year in 1986.

He was also part of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's "Shaka Zulu" recording, which picked up a Grammy for best traditional folk album the following year.

Shabalala retired from the band, which fuses Zulu and gospel music traditions, in 1993.

[jesus marion joseph]

Strange. Then again, I hear that lots of strange things happen in South Africa.

[Dr Dave]

A lot of strange stuff happens in New York City, too. Your point?

[Gentle Giant]

I was never a fan of the group, but it's a shame.

[clinthopson]

We saw them once and thought they were very good, but just for a few numbers. A whole show of their stuff was a bit much for us.

Aw man, I don't know what you guys were hearing, but I think those guys are absolutely brilliant!!!

I could listen to them all day long and never tire of it.

[jesus marion joseph]

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

A lot of strange stuff happens in New York City, too. Your point?

I was supposed to have a point?

Originally Posted by jesus marion joseph(supposedly)

I was supposed to have a point?

Really, why break your streak now?