‘Musical genius’ Zim Ngqawana dies

Late Jazz musician Zim Ngqawana was a musical genius and the music industry was poorer without him, Gauteng arts and culture MEC Lebogang Maile said on Tuesday.

“The country has lost a musical genius. His passing must serve as a reminder to the people, especially the youth, about the rich heritage we have,” Maile said in a statement.

Ngqawana, 52, passed away at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital after collapsing over the weekend. He had suffered a stroke.

The National Heritage Council (NHC) said Ngqawana would be remembered for promoting people's musical heritage.

“South Africa and the world still had expectations from Zim. His musical history will undoubtedly remain the heritage of this country. We remember him for his excellence and innovation in promoting the people's musical heritage,” NHC chief executive Sonwabile Mancotywa said.

Mancotywa expressed his condolences to Ngqawana's family, colleagues and fans.

Ngqawana was the youngest of five children and started playing the flute at the age of 21. He studied at the University of Massachusetts with jazz legends Archie Shepp and Yusef Lateef.

He later made his mark when he directed a ‘Drums for Peace Orchestra' at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president in 1994, where he also featured as a solo saxophonist. - Sapa