Premier Oscar Mabuyane has promised to keep alive the legacy of world-renowned African traditional musician Dr Latozi “Madosini” Mpahleni, saying her work is a force for national unity and social cohesion.
“My mind is racing, trying to think of a building or monument we can name after Mama Madosini to preserve her name.
“But, I am certain we will find one to name after this great daughter of the soil,” Mabuyane said while delivering a eulogy at her funeral in Mkhankatho village, in rural Libode, on Saturday.
Madosini was accorded a category 2 official state funeral.
Mabuyane said in an effort to preserve her memory and legacy, the provincial government had commissioned the production of a documentary film on her life and times, which was in the final stages of development.
The legendary musician died on December 23, two days shy of her 79th birthday. She had been admitted in hospital on December 3 with pneumonia.
Dignitaries who attended the funeral included sports, recreation, arts & culture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase and his wife, Queen Tina MaDosini Ndamase, and gospel legend Lusanda Mcinga.
Mabuyane said Madosini had left an indelible mark as a prolific musician, composer, performer, collaborator and dedicated teacher and was a national treasure.
Her skill and the creativity of the compositions she performed on the uhadi (calabash-resonated bow), umrhubhe (mouth-resonated bow) and isitolotolo (Jewish harp) were unsurpassed.
Mabuyane said her music had inspired many other musicians to co-operate with her in producing works of fusion within the classical, folk and jazz idioms.
She was kindhearted and selfless and shared her musical genius with younger musicians such as Thandiswa Mazwai.
“The greatest legacy she left us with is teaching local young people how to play the three instruments (uhadi, umrhubhe and isitolotolo) that propelled her to musical stardom,” the premier said.
“The responsibility is now with us who are left behind to ensure that the seeds she has planted in the young people germinate to produce the fruits she desired.”
He said the provincial government had been honoured to have been part of Madosini’s musical journey.
She had performed on many stages across the world, despite not having acquired any education.
Mabuyane said though the SABC reached millions of people every day through its 19 radio stations — and the presence of 296 stations countrywide — many South Africans had still not been exposed to Madosini’s music.
Mkhankatho traditional leader Nkosi Tholelwengwe Ndamase told Mabuyane that Madosini had brought fame to the area.
He asked the government to build a heritage site there, with a monument to the music legend, a library and an information centre for the benefit of young people.
SA musician Pedro Espi-Sanchis said he had been a close friend of Madosini, with whom he had worked for about 20 years.
He described her as a party animal, saying the stage was her life but music was in her heart.
“She was my best friend. We spoke the same language through music. I am full of admiration for her. She has left a big hole in our hearts.”
Madosini’s uncle on her mother’s side, Maphelo Nogemane, said though she was held in such high regard, his niece was an incredibly humble person.
Her younger brother, Zakade Mpahleni, described her as a queen of SA, Africa and the world who loved people with all her heart.
East London traditional Xhosa musician Thandi Bushula, who also worked with Madosini, told mourners they had collaborated on two songs alongside 13-year-old Esona Lugabasi, a rising star in Mkhankatho.
Madosini had discovered and mentored Esona when she started teaching schoolchildren how to play indigenous instruments.
Bushula said she was heartbroken that Madosini had passed away before they could record the songs in a studio.
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