The musician died on Sunday after a short illness, the group said on Facebook.

Mazibuko joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1969 and they won five Grammy awards and sang on Paul Simon's album Graceland.

The group called Mazibuko kind and a saint who helped younger members, describing him as a wise elder.

He loved traveling and sharing the group's music and message.

Mazibuko enjoyed talking about the group's history and spreading peace and love.

Mazibuko grew up in uMnambithi, left school early, and worked on a farm.

His cousin Joseph Shabalala started Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1960 and asked Mazibuko to join.

The group mixed Zulu songs and dances with South African isicathamiya, a type of acapella music.

A 1970 radio performance led to a record deal and their first gold album, Amabutho, in 1973.

The group became famous worldwide after singing on Paul Simon's album Graceland, but Simon was criticized for working with them during apartheid.

Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie paid tribute to Mazibuko on Monday.

McKenzie said Mazibuko was more than a performer, he kept a unique South African sound alive.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo sang about hope and unity during apartheid.

Mazibuko said apartheid was harsh and restricted their movement.

Mazibuko remembered being stopped by police and having to show his ID book.

Not having an ID book meant arrest, which Mazibuko feared.

Mazibuko was happy to see people voting in the first post-apartheid election in 1994.

The current group has old and new members, and they were touring in the US.

Their last US show was due to happen on Friday.

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