by Anroux Marais
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the honorary Dr Madosini Latozi Mpahleni, a legendary isiXhosa musician, storyteller and artist.
Madosini, as she was affectionately known, earned many accolades during her career, including the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arts and Culture Trust. A world icon, she used her talent to bring hope through plays on isiXhosa traditional instruments like the uhadi, mhrubhe and isitolotolo.
Throughout her career, she collaborated with many big name musicians, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Gilberto Gil, Dizu Plaaitjies, Mzwandile Qotoyi, Jonny Blundell, Lulu Plaitjies and Pedro Espi-Sanchis.
Her most recent performance was at the Ingoduko concert at the Artscape theatre on 29 September - 1 October 2022. The concert featured indigenous, contemporary, and international artistic works.
It aimed at archiving, inspiring, and promoting holistic documentation of music from different cultures for the younger generation provided patrons with an insight into indigenous music that represents some of the earliest roots of jazz in Africa.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Madonsini’s family, loved ones and friends. Her legendary work and selfless commitment to the arts and culture sector through her music ensured that her legacy will live on long after her passing.
* Anroux Marais, MEC for of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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