Renowned South African choral and Zulu traditional music maestro Bhekizizwe Shabalala of Ladysmith Black Mambazo has died.
According to the South Africa Times, Shabalala died at a Pretoria Hospital today after a long illness.
The newspaper quoted his manager, Xolani Majozi, saying his family and group, which is currently on tour in the United States, have been devastated by his death.
In a tweet, Ladysmith Black Mambazo said, “Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala. Our Founder, our Teacher and most importantly, our Father left us today for eternal peace. We celebrate and honor your kind heart and your extraordinary life. Through your music and the millions who you came in contact with, you shall live forever.”
The South African government also paid tribute to the late Shabalala. In a tweet, it said, “We would like to extend our condolences on the passing of Joseph Shabalala who was the founder of the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ulale ngoxolo Tata ugqatso lwakho ulufezile (rest in peace father, your race is complete."
Shabalala retired in 2014 after more than 50 years at the helm of the group that has won five Grammy awards. Ladysmith Black Mambazo featured in one of the most famous songs, Graceland, written and produced by American artist Paul Simon and Shabalala.
The group was formed in the 1960s after Shabalala and his friends were encouraged by friends at a farm in Kwazulu Natal near Ladysmith where they used to sing and dance a traditional Zulu dance, isichathamiya, to venture into music.
Shabalala, who was born in 1941 and was the eldest son in a family of eight, moved to Johannesburg in the 1970s where the group made its first music recordings after landing a contract with Gallo Records. They never looked back as they ventured into the world of music full time. They produced more than sixty albums.
In its official website, the groups says in addition to their work with Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded with numerous artists from around the world, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Melissa Etheridge and many many others.
Their singing voices can be heard in several films including Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker video and Spike Lee’s Do It A Cappella. They've provided soundtrack material for Disney’s The Lion King, Part II, Eddie Murphy’s Coming To America, Marlon Brando’s A Dry White Season, Sean Connery’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, James Earl Jones’ Cry The Beloved Country and Clint Eaastwood's Invictus. A documentary film called On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps to Freedom, The Story Of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was nominated for an Academy Award.
They have appeared on Broadway, have been nominated for Tony Awards and have won a Drama Desk Award.
“A favorite of the late great Nelson Mandela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo traveled with the South African president, at his request, when he went to Oslo, Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. One year later they were singing at the inauguration of the newly elected President. After many more special appearances with the South African icon, Mandela proclaimed the group South Africa's Cultural Ambassadors to the World.”
Shabalala took the name Ladysmith from his hometown, which lies in the province of kwaZulu Natal, halfway between the city of Durban (where members of the group live today) and Johannesburg. The word Black being a reference to the oxen, the strongest of all farm animals, Joseph's way of honoring his early life on his family's farm. Mambazo is the Zulu word for chopping axe, a symbol of the group’s vocal strength, clearing the way for their music and eventual success.
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Mortgage Refinance Guide: Costs, Rates, and Break-Even Math
A lower mortgage rate sounds attractive, but refinancing is not always a guaranteed win. A refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new loan, and that new loan usually comes with closing costs, a new term, new paperwork, and sometimes a reset payoff timeline. The right question is not simply, Can I get a lower rate? The better question is, Will this refinance improve my finances after all costs are included?
The most common reason to refinance is to lower the interest rate. A lower rate can reduce the monthly payment and total interest over time. However, closing costs can include lender fees, appraisal fees, title fees, recording fees, credit report fees, prepaid taxes, prepaid insurance, and points. Some lenders advertise no-closing-cost refinancing, but the costs may be rolled into the loan balance or covered through a higher rate.
The break-even point is one of the most important calculations. Divide the total refinance cost by the monthly savings. If closing costs are $4,000 and the refinance saves $200 per month, the break-even point is 20 months. If you plan to stay in the home longer than that, the refinance may make sense. If you expect to sell or move before then, the savings may never catch up.
Loan term matters. Refinancing from a 30-year mortgage into a new 30-year mortgage can lower the payment but may extend debt far into the future. That can increase total interest even with a lower rate. Some homeowners choose a 15-year or 20-year refinance to pay off the home faster, but the payment may be higher. Others choose a new 30-year term for cash-flow relief. The best choice depends on monthly budget, retirement timeline, and long-term goals.
A cash-out refinance allows a homeowner to borrow more than the current mortgage balance and receive the difference in cash. People use cash-out refinancing for home improvements, debt consolidation, education, or emergency reserves. This can be useful when the numbers work, but it also increases the mortgage balance and puts the home at risk if payments become unaffordable.
Refinancing from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage can also be smart when payment stability matters. Adjustable rates may start lower but can change later based on the loan terms. A fixed rate can provide predictability, especially for homeowners who plan to stay long term.
Credit score, home equity, income, debt-to-income ratio, property type, and appraisal value can all affect refinance options. A stronger credit profile and more equity may qualify for better rates. If the home value has increased, refinancing may also help remove private mortgage insurance if requirements are met.
Points deserve careful review. Discount points are upfront fees paid to reduce the interest rate. Buying points can make sense if you plan to keep the loan long enough to recover the cost through lower payments. If you may move, sell, or refinance again soon, paying points may not be worthwhile.
Before applying, gather the current mortgage statement, homeowners insurance details, property tax information, income documents, credit information, and an estimate of home value. Ask lenders for loan estimates using the same loan type and term so comparisons are fair.
Questions to ask include: What is the APR? What are total closing costs? Are costs paid upfront or rolled into the loan? What is the new loan balance? What is the break-even point? Are there prepayment penalties? How long will underwriting take? Does the rate lock have a fee? What happens if the appraisal comes in low?
Refinancing can be a powerful financial move when it lowers total costs, improves stability, removes mortgage insurance, shortens the term, or supports a smart cash-flow plan. It can be a mistake when it only lowers the payment by extending debt or adding costs that never pay off. Run the numbers before signing.
Best Credit Cards For Balance Transfers
A balance transfer credit card can help you pay down high-interest credit card debt faster. These cards often offer a low or 0% introductory APR for a limited time, allowing more of your payment to go toward the balance instead of interest.
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The best balance transfer credit card depends on the length of the intro APR period, transfer fee, regular APR, credit limit, and your payoff plan.
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A longer 0% APR period gives you more time to pay off the debt without interest. However, many cards charge a balance transfer fee, often a percentage of the amount transferred. You should calculate whether the interest savings are greater than the fee.
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Balance transfers work best when you have a plan. Divide your total balance by the number of months in the promotional period. This tells you how much you need to pay each month to clear the debt before interest begins.
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For example, if you transfer $6,000 and have 18 months of 0% APR, you would need to pay about $334 per month to pay it off before the promotional period ends.
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Avoid using the new card for extra purchases. New spending can make it harder to pay down the balance and may not qualify for the same promotional terms.
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Your credit score matters. The best balance transfer cards usually require good or excellent credit. If your credit is limited or damaged, you may not qualify for the longest promotional offers.
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A balance transfer card can save money, but only if you stay disciplined. If you miss payments, your promotional APR could end, and fees may apply.
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The best card is not just the one with the longest 0% period. It is the one that matches your payoff timeline, fees, and financial discipline.
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