She was a vocalist who sang in every style – from Carmen to UShaka – with equal mastery, popularising classical forms and epitomising ‘the new South Africa’.
The revered trombonist, composer and cultural activist never wished to be ‘the state composer’ but remained political until the end, in service of the people.
Gilbert Matthews during an interview a few years before his death.
Aryan Kaganof
His talent took him across the world - he was Ray Charles’ regular drummer - and the music he was exposed to sparked innovation when he returned home.
South African lawyer and part-time fashion model, Thando Hopa, at an exhibition of Drum magazine front pages in.
Johannesburg.
Gianluigi Gueracia/AFP via Getty Images
The politics of Jonas Gwangwa’s music have stayed constant over the years, and are also apparent in the eight albums he has released in South Africa since returning from 30 years of exile.
South African rising jazz star, Thabang Tabane.
Lidudumalingani Mqombothi
When they arrived in Europe in the early 1960s, South African jazz outfit the Blue Notes revolutionised the London scene. Half a century later, their music is coming home in several new projects.
South African jazz legend Ray Phiri passed away after a long battle with lung cancer.
Thuli Dlamini/The Times
Two of South Africa’s finest musicians, Johnny Mekoa and Ray Phiri, died recently. The permeable terrain between genres their careers negotiated, is being replaced by rigid marketing categories.