Yet anither great artistic legend has died. He was indigent but - TopicsExpress



          

Yet anither great artistic legend has died. He was indigent but that says nothing about his spiritual wealth and heritage he left us. It is no exaggeration to say Bra Pat Matshikiza who died a few days ago is one of the most important musical voices to come out of this country in the last 50 years. He played a seminal role in the definition and development of a distinct and unique South African jazz. It is at times like these that you wonder if Africans have cultural historians or even writers and academics who are interested in indigenous history. Here is a piano maestro, composer and arranger ànd his death is greeted by a resounding silence and ...er, indifference. There was more to Bra Pat than the fact that he was younger brother to Todd Matshikiza of King Korn fame. Yes he had durability and longevity if you like in that he started playing at 19 years and died at 76. He was not a legend because he lived long but his role and contribution introduced quite complicated formulae, resilience and style to our musical content and heritage. Today we have an indigenous African jazz sound that is not just an imitation of American cats. Presumably many will recall the popular jazz hit Tshona that features Kippie Moeketsi et al. It is the kind of piece that transcends space and time and can be enjoyed by great great grand children today. But how will they do that when they too are guilty of promoting American talent and music at the expense of their own heritage. Bra Pat was a walking encyclopedia of the development of local music, especially the evolution of jazz. But of course at home an artist will enjoy a brief period of public idolatrous before they are dropped for Americans. For the last 30 - 40 years he was in limbo. Yet here was a man who kept the musical fires burning when every other notable artist left for London America and other exile places in the 1960s. He was the bridge between those who stayed and those who left, the past present & future. Much as he was not a multimillionaire for he was indigent, this legend and icon sustained the soul of this country. He has given his own life to jazz heritage. Im neither a musical guru nor historian. I guess what Im asking is: what are we doing to our very own for artists like Bra Pat who are the custodians of the soul of this nation? We at a point where we have to judge ourselves by what we do to our artists. I hope the self styled Home of Legends will make a statement about how it buries Bra Pat. The burial will mean nothing to him now but maybe something will change. We Bury TV newsreaders and DJS like heroes. It is time we did the same for the more deserving. I believe our cultural and political leadership will rise to the occasion. Sad that even Sathima Bea Benjamin was not given a series funeral if you know what I mean. We are the ones who are here, responsible for happens here. What are we about exactly? What shall we say to Todd, Dudu, Mankunku, Mra, Allen, Kippie, Dennis et al. What has become of us. May Bra Pat rest in peace!
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:28:35 +0000

Trending Topics



W/COA
We are being conditioned!! We see it now as being racist when you
payday loan industry growth
May Allah Be With You At Every Step You Take 🌸 🌸 May

Recently Viewed Topics




© 2015