[image1_left]South Africa - According to the US record label for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ben Shabalala, brother of Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and leader Joseph Shabalala, was killed in unknown circumstances on June 16 in a suburb of Durban, South Africa.

Ben first joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 1979 and was part of the group during Paul Simon's Graceland recording and subsequent tour. He retired from the group in 1993 to spend more time at home with his family. His voice was an integral part of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo sound that captivated audiences worldwide through the popularity of the Graceland album -- which won the Grammy Award for album of the year in 1986. Ladysmith Black Mambazo also won a Grammy in 1987 for their recording Shaka Zulu, of which Ben was also a part.

The group is currently on a worldwide tour promoting their latest release, Raise Your Spirit Higher, and have decided to continue in honor of Ben's memory. Said Joseph Shabalala, "Ben was not just my brother, but is a part of my history. He is a part of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's legacy. While his life has ended in this terrible way, his voice, his memory and his spirit will continue on with Ladysmith Black Mambazo."