BEVERLY HILLS, January 24, (THEWILL) – Popular South Africa jazz trombonist and composer, Jonas Gwangwa, is dead at the age of 83.
According to South African authorities, the muscian whose music powered the anti-apartheid struggle, died on Saturday.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, led the tributes to the legendary musician who was nominated for an Oscar for the theme song of the 1987 film “Cry Freedom”.
“A giant of our revolutionary cultural movement and our democratic creative industries has been called to rest,” Ramaphosa said.
“The trombone that boomed with boldness and bravery, and equally warmed our hearts with a mellow melody has lost its life force.
“He delighted audiences in Sophiatown until it became illegal for black people to congregate and South African musicians were jailed merely for practising their craft.”
THEWILL writes that Gwangwa was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga, South Africa’s highest national award for his achievements in art and culture, in 2010.
