ANC honours Mankunku
2009-10-13 15:27
Johannesburg - Legendary jazz saxophonist Winston Mankunku Ngozi died at Victoria Hospital in Wynberg, Cape Town on Tuesday, the ANC said.
Ngozi, 66, died from a heart-related illness, ANC spokesperson Brian Sokutu said in a statement.
"His death is a huge loss to South Africa, particularly the music fraternity. We join many South Africans in paying tribute to this jazz icon who became a beacon of hope and inspired so many artists."
He said Ngozi used his talent to inspire social, economic, cultural and political change in the country.
Ngozi's recording in 1968 of the famous Yakhal' Inkomo album, together with Early Mabuza, Agrippa Magwaza and Lionel Pillay, earned him the "Jazz Musician of the Year" award.
Ngozi, better known as Mankunku, performed with many international artists including Chick Corea, Jack Van Poll, Dave Young, Joe Henderson, Mike Rossi, Toots Thielemans and Manu Dibango. "At this hour of great loss, our thoughts are with his family. May Tshawe's soul rest in peace," Sokutu said.
Ngozi was born in Retreat, a suburb of Cape Town in 1943, and began his music career with piano at age seven. In his teens, he decided that he wanted to play the saxophone. He joined bassist Midge Pike in his band where he was 'initiated' into the music industry.
- SAPA