On what would have been music hitmaker Robbie Malinga’s 53rd birthday, his widow Ann Malinga, launched a book titled Robbie Malinga in his honour. The music industry, family and friends gathered at Universal Music offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg where Robbie worked as A&R manager, to mark the book launch. The coffee-table style book is edited by renowned journalist, author and media specialist Lesley Mofokeng.
Also Read: Choreographer Bontle Modiselle to host Season 2 of Telkom Monate Vibes
First Robbie tells his own story from birth to the ravages of the cancer that claimed his life on Christmas Day in 2017. For the first time fans get to hear the inside story in the Malinga household as Robbie, assisted by Ann and his medical team battled the disease how it devastated her family.
In the second part, Ann gets candid about widowhood and the challenges it has presented to her as a young woman. She comments on how society prejudices widows and are often taken advantage of including by ‘friends’ of their deceased husbands. She opens up about lost friends and the public criticism she faced in the wake of Robbie’s death and most recently about the vicious attacks on her son Robbie Junior on social media.
The third section features tributes starting with the intensely personal and emotional love letter Robbie Junior penned to his sister Zanokuhle who was just 2 years old when their father died. Friends, family and associates also share their memories of Robbie and reveal a vivid image of a man who was so loved for his music and the contribution he made to the industry. The tributes from the likes of Thuso Motaung, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Loyiso Mangena, Kaizer Kganyago and MEC VR Shongwe from Mpumalanga read as organic journal entries that all contribute to the mosaic of the legend and the legacy he left behind.
Guests at the exclusive launch MCd by media personality Lupi Ngcayisa were treated to performances by Robbie’s collaborators such as Kelly Khumalo and Musa Sukwene who all sang spiritedly in tribute.
Commented Ann: “Honouring the legacy of my husband has been uppermost on my mind since his passing away. My heart is full that Robbie Malinga has finally materialised. When you have a book you don’t need a statue because the story will survive time and be told over and over again for generations. The world should never forget the talent and genius of Robbie Malinga and his children will have something to hold on to, a repository of stories and priceless photographs archived for eternity. I wish to thank all the people who worked on this project up to this point as well as the fans of Robbie who stood by him and supported his amazing work. This one is for all of you.”
Robbie Malinga retails for R399 (excluding packaging and shipping), eBook costs R199 and is available to order on www.rmlegacygroup.co.za
Bongi Sikelo 