Ladysmith Black Mambazo pen tribute to Nelson Mandela

South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo have penned a touching tribute to Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday (05Dec13). The Grammy-winning singers, who famously sang on Paul Simon’s Graceland album, have honoured the fallen civil rights leader just hours after his passing.
The members took to their Facebook.com page and wrote, “The Father of our nation, Nelson Mandela, has finished his journey. One wants to think in terms of big words when describing him, but this would not be right. Among the many things one can say about our Madiba (Mandela’s tribal name) is that he never thought of himself as big.
“He was one of us, one of the people. His journey was our journey. And although he has physically left us now, his journey continues within us all.
“Now, it’s left for all of us to carry on his mission. We must continue the journey of making not just South Africa, but the whole world, a peaceful, forgiving place. If we all keep Mandela’s way within us, we can achieve greatness. As we continue to spread the message of Peace, Love and Harmony, we re-dedicate ourselves to Mandela and his dream of a Rainbow Nation, a Rainbow World, in fact. May his journey continue in the soul and spirits of all who were touched by him.”
Ladysmith Black Mambazo originated in the 1960s, and were called upon by Mandela to sing at his Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 1993, as well as perform at his presidential inauguration the following year (94).