JAZZ ICON TSEPO TSHOLA DIES

By Staff Reporter

QWAQWA -Tribute continues to pour following the death of  Legendary Jazz musician  Tsepo Tshola who died on Thursday  due to  Covid-19  related  complications at age of 67, in the neighbouring Lesotho.

Passing message of condolences  Free State department of Sport ,Arts , Culture and  Recreation  has weighed in.

“On this chilly winter’s day, we have sadly lost our village’s Pope. Ntate Tsepo Tshola will be remembered as a musical genius whose music communicated the lived realities of the society in which we exist. Dubbed the “Village Pope”, he indeed became a voice for the voiceless and marginalised among our populace hence he vociferously called out social ills through his music and rallied those in high echelons of power to action.

“As a Department, we attribute the success of the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) to artists of his calibre who graced the festival from its inception and continued to play a pivotal part throughout its history spanning over two decades. MACUFE is now a global concert and funfair because he was among those who believed in the strength and capabilities of local artists to attract international audiences.”

Upon learning about these tragic developments, the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mrs Limakatso Mahasa said the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation mourns the passing on of Ntate Tsepo Tshola.

“He was a musical giant whose music shaped the cultural identity of Africans on the continent and across the diaspora. He also leaves behind a rich discography that we all treasure as part of his legacy. Personally, I had the rare honour of spending time with Ntate Tsepo Tshola from 2003-2005. He was indeed a father, leader and musical genius. May his soul rest in peace.” MEC Mahasa further commented.”

Born from a Christian family Tshola , most of his music carry message of condolences or preparedness  that one day everyone will live this world, such song ‘‘ho lokile ho lokile” , translated as okay, a song triggered, he was comforting himself after the death of his wife.

Tshola‘s music career spans over 40 years and he became a lead vocalist of the Sankomota.