The drummer was part of the band that recorded the first album by a black South African ensemble, Jazz Epistle, Verse 1, in 1959.
The family of renowned South African drummer Makhaya Ntsoko confirmed his passing on Wednesday morning.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, a world-renowned figure, legendary, multi-award-winning musician, mentor and lecturer.
“He passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 27th, 2024,” the statement said.
Ntsoko was born in Cape Town in October 1939 and grew up in Langa Township.
The 84-year-old drummer was part of the band that recorded the first album by a black South African ensemble. Jazz Letters, Section 1 1959.
Jazz Epices were a collective made up of some of South Africa's foremost jazz figures, including alto saxophonist Kippy Moeketsi, trombonist Jonas Gwanga, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, bassist Jonny Gartse and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, who previously performed under the name Dollar Brand before converting to Islam.
Reflecting on his time with Jazz Epistles in an interview with online platform Vuka Radio in 2021, Ntsoko said the sextet was formed when two trios based in different parts of the country merged. Ntsoko, Ibrahim and Gertse are from Cape Town.
“That's how we got together when Kippy, Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela came to Cape Town for a show. So it was great because it was different – different people, different friends, different music. Everybody had ideas and somehow we came together and played together,” he said.
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Jazz Giants
In the aforementioned interview, Ntshoko shared how he got started on drums.
“Drums, that's what I liked. There were a lot of drummers in Cape Town, some from other places, and I got to know a lot of people. That was my thing.”
The percussionist grew up in a musical family, with his eldest brother playing the piano.
“My dad played the organ in the Methodist church. Every Sunday, if there was a meeting somewhere or a choir rehearsal, he was there.”
Like many youngsters at the time, Ntsoko had a keen interest in boxing. “I used to practice a lot then. I used to practice almost every day.”
He said he found time to focus on both boxing and music.
“When you're young, you always have time. There's so much on your mind, so many things, and you just have to choose,” he said.
“The friends I played with were also training in the gym so I had to find time. I loved sports. Playing sports keeps you focused, healthy and moving.”
After the dissolution of the Jazz Epistles, Ntsoko founded the Jazz Giants.
“The Jazz Giants formed in Cape Town. I was still in Langa at the time and that's where I met Dudu Pukwana, Johnny Diani and turner player Nickel Moyake.”
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Global Citizen
Ntsoko was the leader of the Makaya and Tsotsi tribes. He emerged alongside Masekela. Home is where the music is He has also participated in numerous projects with musicians such as Diyani, Dexter Gordon and Joe McPhee.
In 1962, as a member of the Jazz Giants he performed at the Castle Lager Jazz Festival at the Moroka Jabavu Stadium in Soweto, alongside Tette Mbambisa, Dudu Pukwana and Martin Mgizima.
Makhaya also appeared with Moeketsi, Martin Mugijima and Pukwana in Gideon Nxumalo's avant-garde Jazz Fantasia (1962), and in the same year he performed in Switzerland with Goertze, Ibrahim and his wife Satima B. Benjamin.
As the Dollar Brand Trio, they played at Atlantis, Basel and Club Africana in Zurich, and were seen by John Coltrane and Duke Ellington.
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In 1963, Ellington invited them to Paris to record the album Duke Ellington Presents the Dollar Brand Trio (Reprise, 1964), which paved the way for them to achieve international recognition.
“Before I teamed up with Dollar I was in King Kong and we went to England and then came back to South Africa.
“England was so beautiful and there was so much going on. It was so different to other countries and I loved it,” he said.
Ntsoko's family statement concluded by saying details of the burial and memorial service would be announced at a later date.
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