Mr Maken suspects the fire may have been caused by load reduction in Soweto.
South African musician Gontse Maken is considering holding a benefit concert as a way to raise money after his work and living space went up in flames a week ago.
“Everything has been very overwhelming. I was pretty surprised by this. But we are thinking of doing some benefit concerts. We just need to finalize the dates, venue, performers and development. 1 I'm thinking of doing a concert or two,” Maken said. The Citizen Tuesday morning.
More than a week ago, on a Sunday night, the famous percussionist was returning home from a performance when he was greeted by smoke at his home in Soweto.
“I came back from a show around 9 or 10 p.m. and I saw smoke coming from the house and thought it was coming from the house next door. “I looked and realized the smoke was coming from my garage and back room,” he said.
This hip drummer is the son of Rebecca and late actor Ramolao Maken. He is also the younger brother of South African Music Award (SAMA) winning percussionist Tolar Maken. Blondie and Letoya Makine are his extended family.
He has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand percussionists in this country and continent.
Together with Frank Magongwa, Madite Moarusi and Mahalatse Liba, they formed the world-famous musical ensemble Kwani Experience.
He has performed in many countries with Kwani Experience, and in recent years has collaborated with great artists such as Ndududzo Mahathini as part of the musical ensemble Shabaka and the Ancestors.
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flame
The flames inside his work and living spaces worsened as soon as he opened the door allowing oxygen to enter.
Mr Maken suspects the fire may have been caused by load shedding in Molapo, Soweto state.
“The load was down when I left, and I think that’s because the power came back on,” he said.
“Thank God I was there. There was so much smoke. My mother was inside the house, so luckily the fire didn't reach the main house. She was sleeping and I When I came into the garden to put out the fire, I was shocked.
Avti Gontse is going through difficult times, but he will appreciate it as much as he can. pic.twitter.com/FHP9evoqwL
— Ngwako T. Malakaraka (@officialngwako) September 29, 2024
Maken confirmed that no one was injured. However, he injured his hand while trying to put out the fire.
“In my hurry to put out the fire, I banged my hand on the window and got a cut. I had a pretty deep cut on my wrist,” Maken declared.
“I got stitches on my wrist. About six stitches. I won't be able to play drums for the next five weeks until it heals properly.”
Community firefighting efforts
“The community came and assisted us. We used water and sand. The fire brigade came around 11pm and we put out the fire.”
Mousseau said there used to be a fire station closer to Jabulani, but it is no longer in use, which is probably why firefighters arrived after the damage.
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damage
When asked about the cumulative damage caused by the blaze, The Citizen said it had not calculated the cost.
“Everything is priceless,” Maken says of what was lost in the fire.
“I haven't really calculated it, but some of the things I lost in the fire include music that I had collected over the years, records and CDs that I had bought, and things that I received from my father that had sentimental value. “It's a thing,” he said.
Maken's belongings shattered in the fire included two Apple Mac desktops, a hard drive and a microphone. Maken said the roof was close to cave in.
“It had clothes and drums in it. All I have left is my djembe and talking drum.”
“I had music on my hard drive. That music is gone. But my solo project is safe for producers and sound engineers.”
Although he has not yet set a release date for his long-awaited album, it is nearing completion and he is drawing inspiration from his current challenges that may contribute to his future body of work.
“I'll probably put more music in. It comes from tragedy… It's something that can heal not only me but others as well.”
Mr Maken said he has given his bank account details to people who can help him rebuild, but is considering starting a BackABuddy or GoFundMe to raise more money.
“I was looking at them [crowdfunding] platform. I have received messages and calls from people in Switzerland and other parts of the world showing their support. ”
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