Jazz Legendary Phillip Tabane Passes Away at 84

The Department of Arts and Culture announced Friday that South African Jazz legendary musician, Phillip Tabane, has passed away at the age of 84.

The musician died at Mamelodi Hospital in Pretoria on Friday morning.

Tabane was born in Pretoria and formed a group called The Malombo Jazz Men. During his career he was well known for his hit tracks ‘Nkupi’ and ‘Muvhango’.

The Jazz musician held two honorary doctorates in music; and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards in 1998.

The Arts and Culture Department took to Twitter to express their heartfelt message: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of South Africa’s most innovative jazz guitarists, described as a quintessential African performer, Dr Phillip Tabane.”