Daily Monitor
Sunday January 31 2021
Summary
Fare thee well. The South African trombonist and composer Jonas Gwangwa, 83, was an ambassador for his country’s music and an advocate against apartheid. He died on January 23, the same date (but in 2018) that his cousin Hugh Masekela also passed on, writes Sam Mathe.
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Jonas Gwangwa, 83, was a trailblazing musician, cultural ambassador, activist, father figure and guiding light who mentored a generation of notable artistes on the contemporary SA jazz scene.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa led tributes, saying:
A giant of our revolutionary cultural movement and our democratic creative industries has been called to rest; the trombone that boomed with boldness and bravery, and equally warmed our hearts with mellow melody has lost its life force. Jonas Gwangwa ascends to our great orchestra of musical ancestors whose creative genius and dedication to the freedom of all South Africans inspired millions in our country and mobilised the international community against the apartheid system.