Jazz maestro Jonas Gwangwa’s death fell on the third anniversaries of fellow jazz legends Hugh Masekela’s death and Oliver Mtukudzi. Described by president Cyril Ramaphosa as “a giant of a revolutionary cultural movement” Jonas passed away at age 83.
President Ramaphosa went on to say, “Jonas Gwanga ascends to our great orchestra of musical ancestors whose creative genius & dedication to the freedom of all South Africans inspired millions in our country & mobilised the international community against the apartheid system. In our hour of mourning the loss of many precious lives around us, we pray also that the soul of Jonas Gwangwa will rest in peace.”
More tributes came pouring in from family, friends and jazz lovers.
Rest well my Father, your journey was one meant to be shared & the world celebrated with us as you took many stages. Be comforted, what has been planted by your works will bear the fruit we will teach our children to honour and revere; It is well. #RIPJonasGwangwa Love you Dad 😔 pic.twitter.com/UlBKuxW6Ld
— Malose Gwangwa 🇿🇦 #ActNow (@MaloseGwangwa) January 23, 2021
2020 was a painful year and this year is already testing our hearts as another giant has left us. Thank you for a lifetime of great music Ntate Jonas Gwangwa. Morwa, Kgomo, Batsumi & Diphororo just some of the songs for me that will keep you in our hearts forever #RIPJonasGwangwa pic.twitter.com/w8uiIoUQt0
— Peter Ndoro (@peterndoro) January 23, 2021
A legend has fallen💔
— Live Amp (@liveamp) January 23, 2021
On this day we say farewell to legendary jazz musician Jonas Gwangwa to contributed immensely to music industry.
Our heartfelt condolences go out the friends and family of the deceased, may he rest in power.🕊#RIPJonasGwangwa pic.twitter.com/s7It2P5e7N
Just listened to Generations opening sequence song that was composed by Jonas Gwangwa! That was a national anthem on its own🔥 #RIPJonasGwangwa
— Yaya Mavundla (@YayaRSA) January 23, 2021
A South African Jazz musician, songwriter, and producer, Jonas Gwangwa has inspired and contributed a lot to the musical community. We’re saddened to hear about his passing. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. @artsfestival @youthjazz #RIPJonasGwangwa pic.twitter.com/kwud4x6MRb
— Standard Bank Arts (@StandardBankArt) January 23, 2021
MEC MBALI HLOPHE MOURNS THE LOSS OF THE LEGENDARY NTATE JONAS GWANGWA.
— Gauteng Dept. of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation (@GautengSACR) January 24, 2021
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ms Mbali Hlophe has learned with shock and sadness of the passing of the iconic ntate Jonas Gwangwa.#RIPJonasGwangwa pic.twitter.com/0F7h70WZDt