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Jazz legend Jonas Mosa Gwangwa dies

25 Jan 2021

South African trombonist, composer and cultural activist, Jonas Mosa Gwangwa died on 23 January 2021 in Johannesburg at age 83.

“A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor, our hearts beat with profound loss. Dr Gwangwa's international and activist contribution to and participation in the areas of music, theatre and the arts, in general, is contained in the memory and minds of millions across the world and we are blessed and grateful to have been part of a life and legacy of love and avant-garde creativity that spans the space of over seven decades,” said the family in a statement.

#JonasGwangwa �� Rest In Peace my friend - heartbroken 4 great memories with a special friend ... thank you @BillyMonama for the pics pic.twitter.com/tiydL4SMax
— Hotstix (@siphohotstix) January 24, 2021

The Recording Industry of South Africa also released a statement, which stated: “A legend of music and the pride of South Africa. Through his trombone that reverberated across the world, he made us proud as a cultural ambassador during the dark days of apartheid. He is a recipient of the SA Music Awards Lifetime Achievement (Sama6) in recognition of his work that spans decades. We as the Recording Industry of South Africa send our condolences to the Gwangwa family, friends, his supporters and the music-loving public of South Africa and the world. It's indeed the end of a glorious era.”

The details of memorial and burial services will be announced soon.