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+--- Thread: Condolences for Jazz musician, Pat Matshikiza (/Thread-Condolences-for-Jazz-musician-Pat-Matshikiza)
Condolences for Jazz musician, Pat Matshikiza - Newsroom - 02-01-2015
The Department of Arts and Culture has conveyed its condolences to legendary piano maestro, Pat Matshikiza.
Matshikiza passed away on Monday in Durban at the age of 76.
“We wish to offer our condolences to the family, friends and, above all, the music fraternity, especially jazz,†spokesperson for the Department of Arts and Culture, Sandile Memela, said.
Matshikiza may be widely remembered for Tshona, his infectious and danceable collaboration with Kippie Moeketsi.
Memela said Matshikiza would be remembered as one of the earliest and greatest exponents of African jazz with a distinctive urban township vibe.
“His recording of Tshona, featuring extraordinaire saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, established indigenous jazz music as the most distinctive sound outside of America,†he said.
Matshikiza moved to Johannesburg at a young age to become part of Dorkay House where he joined MacKay Davashe's Jazz Dazzles.
“It was in this group that he joined legends like Moeketsi, trumpeter Dennis Mpale and drummer Makhaya Ntshoko, among others, who redefined and energized the local music scene, especially jazz,†Memela said.
He said when artists went into exile in search of better opportunities in the 1960s, Matshikiza stayed behind to serve as an intuitive connection between those who left and those who stayed.
“That he never blossomed into his full potential is a serious indictment on the history of this country and how African artists, particularly were denied opportunities.
“His resilience saw him integrate into the hotel scene where he was acknowledged and recognised by fellow artists and patrons for his skill and talent,†Memela said. - SAnews.gov.za