President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of cultural icon Jonas Gwangwa, today, Saturday, January 23, 2021, at the age of 83.
The esteemed member of the Order of Ihamanga was an internationally recognized and award-winning composer, arranger, producer, and jazz trombonist.
The President's thoughts and prayers are with Mr Gwangwa's family, friends, colleagues, comrades and supporters in South Africa, the African continent and around the world.
The National Order of Merit recognition he received in 2010 is a reminder that this South African exemplar captivated audiences around the world with his artistry as a composer and all-round creative genius. For more than 30 years, he traveled the world as an exile, winning praise everywhere he went.
Ntate Ngwanwa narrowly escaped death when his home was bombed by apartheid security forces in 1985.
A product of the tumultuous but musically significant 1950s, he was born into the rustic surroundings of Orlando East, Soweto.
He delighted audiences in Sophiatown until it became illegal for blacks to congregate and South African musicians were imprisoned for simply practicing their craft. Despite his limitations, he founded almost every important band of the time and played with icons such as Kippy Moketsi, Abdullah Ibrahim, Johnny Goertse and Makhaya Nxoko.
Jonas Gwanwa is also a compatriot of notable musicians such as Ahmad Jamal, Herb Alpert, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Caiphas Semenya.
President Ramaphosa said: “The giant of our country's revolutionary cultural movement and democratic creative industry has been called to rest. The trombone, which so bravely and courageously chimed and at the same time warmed our hearts with its gentle melody, has lost its vitality. Oops.
“Jonas Gwanga is a great musical forefather whose creative genius and dedication to the freedom of all South Africans inspired millions of people in our country and mobilized the international community against the apartheid system. I joined the orchestra.
“We mourn the loss of many precious lives and pray that Jonas Gwangwa's soul may rest in peace.
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