Legendary KZN musician Gcwensa dies

The award-winning musician died after a long illness. He was rushed to hospital on Monday last week complaining of shortness of breath.

Gcwensa from Umsinga, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, made a name for himself and has over the year’s scooped a number of awards including the South African Traditional Music Awards. he was a founding member and leader of the award-winning maskandi group, Amageza Amahle, which was formed in 2004.

Both the IFP and ANC in KwaZulu-Natal sent condolences to Gcwensa’s family.

IFP MP Blessed Gwala described Gcwensa’s death as another great loss in the South African music industry. “Indidane has won several awards over nine years. May he be fondly remembered as a gifted musician, loving family man, and dynamic performer.”

The National Freedom Party Youth Movement (NFPYM) said through Gcwensa’s music, the youth have taken pride in knowing and loving the country’s diverse cultures.

NFPYM general secretary Busi Shabalala said they hoped that his legacy will live on for a long time and that he will always be remembered for the role he played in art.

“We are grateful for the music he gave us as throughout his career. He was never known for bad things such as drugs. He was known to his fans as a humble man. His death is a lost to the entire nation.”

The ANC is KZN sent condolences to Gcwensa’s family.

“We are deeply shocked by the death of Ndidane. He had an amazing talent and his music kept all of us entertained. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his supporters,” said the ANC provincial secretary, Sihle Zikalala.

In 2010 Gcwensa was rumoured to be deaf and the news spread like wildfire, but it turned out to be false.

Ukhozi FM DJ, cultural activist and SABC 1 host of traditional music show, Roots Ngizwe Mchunu, said the music community was shocked at the news.

“I was with him last month during an traditional music event in Durban and although he was not that well, he was fine,” said Mchunu.

“He was one of the very talented maskandi musicians who united fans when there was infighting among musicians.

“He was a talented songwriter and performer. He had 20 albums and through them he had won 20 awards.

“He paved the way for other maskandi musicians. His pride for traditional music made the genre to be what it is today,” he said.