Music legends hail ‘pioneer’ Jonas Gwangwa
Several music legends have described the late Jonas Gwangwa as a pioneer.
The world-renowned musician and struggle icon died over a week ago and was laid to rest last week Friday.
In the days following his passing, President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed Gwangwa as a “giant of our revolutionary cultural movement”.
President Ramaphosa’s political home, the African National Congress (ANC) shared the same sentiments about the Jazz icon.
On Tuesday the governing party honoured Gwangwa with a virtual memorial where fellow musos shared their parting words.
Renowned musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse described him as an integral part of the South African struggle and musical landscapes.
“You have left a legacy. Your advancement of the liberation struggle through music must be documented such that the future generations must know that you weren’t just a trombone player but a freedom loving musician,” Mabuse said.
The Amandla Ensemble gives an emotional tribute in song. "Go well Jo." pic.twitter.com/imjbED0bWN
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Legendary saxophonist Steve Dyer also said he still hadn’t come to grips with the passing of Gwangwa.
“What struck me is that he was so passionate in fighting for the liberation of South Africa and he galvanised all the musicians around him to do just that.
“Rest in peace Bra Jo, we will miss you. But as they say about musicians, musicians never die, they cry and fade away,” said a sombre Dyer.
Adding to the multitude of voices, internationally acclaimed composer and musician Caiphus Semenya described Gwangwa as "more than just a friend".
“The truth is, to me, Jonas was family, he was more of a brother than just a friend in music. He was a comrade in arms,” Semenya said.
“He had an incredible sense of humour.”
The “Princess of Africa” Yvonne Chaka Chaka thanked the Gwangwa family for sharing him with South Africa and the rest of the world.
“We appreciate you, we love you and we honour you.
“I, as a South African, want to say thank you for opening the doors for us. Thank you for exposing and expanding our culture as South Africans and putting South Africa on the world map,” Chaka Chaka said.
In 2010 Gwangwa was bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold for his exceptional contribution to music and the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
