PAUL SIMON - SOUTH AFRICAN SINGER JOCKEY SHABALALA DIES

South African a cappella singer JOCKEY SHABALALA has died. He was 62.

Shabalala, who was a member of the LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO group founded by his brother JOSEPH, died of natural causes at his home in Ladysmith, Natal.

Most of his family were present during his final moments, but his band are currently touring.

Joseph insists they will continue performing in memory of Jockey: "We must continue to spread our culture and our message of peace, love and harmony.

"Jockey helped me and the rest of the group on this mission for almost 40 years.

"As we were performing tonight's encore song, AMAZING GRACE... I could hear his voice, once again, as part of our harmony.

"I'll always hear his voice, even as he is now with God."

The late singer featured on PAUL SIMON's GRACELAND album which won Album Of The Year at the Grammy Awards in 1986.

Shabalala's funeral service will take place on Saturday (18FEB06) in Ladysmith.