South African jazz musician Thandi Klassen. Source: SouthAfrica.net

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South African Jazz Legend Thandi Klassen Passes Away

President Jacob Zuma has expressed “deep sadness” and extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of legendary South African jazz musician and recipient of the National Order of the Baobab, Thandi Klassen, who passed away in the early hours of this morning, 15 January 2017, in hospital. She would have been 86 this year. Her […]

By SAPeople
15-01-17 15:34
in Eish!
South African jazz musician Thandi Klassen. Source: SouthAfrica.net

President Jacob Zuma has expressed “deep sadness” and extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of legendary South African jazz musician and recipient of the National Order of the Baobab, Thandi Klassen, who passed away in the early hours of this morning, 15 January 2017, in hospital. She would have been 86 this year.

South African jazz musician Thandi Klassen. Source: SouthAfrica.net

Her daughter Lorraine broke the news on Facebook this morning.

Musician Sipho Hotstix tweeted: “Sad news. Rest in peace #ThandiKlaasen – always humble and so gracious… we have lost a giant of South African music.”

President Zuma said “the country has lost one of its internationally acclaimed and respected jazz icons in Ms Thandi Klassen. Her passing is a tragic loss to the nation.

“Ms Klaassen contributed to the country not only as a musician but also a social and political activist who was always outspoken about social-economic issues in the country.”

According to the South African tourism site, the jazz legend’s career spanned over 50 years with her musical style ranging from brass to Mbaqanga (she loved to sing kwela). She grew up in Sophiatown (and later had a hit called ‘Sophiatown) with humble origins – her mom a domestic worker, her dad a shoemaker – but it didn’t stop her dreaming big.

And a terrible acid bomb attack during her teens didn’t stop her either… even though she spent a year in hospital and it left her face permanently disfigured.

During her career Thandi performed with the likes of Miriam Makebe and Dorothy Masuka; and in 1961 she moved to London to star in the internationally acclaimed musical, King Kong.

She left South Africa because Apartheid laws were limiting the opportunities of black artists – and performed abroad with stars like Roberta Flack and Patti Labelle. In an interview with the Sowetan a couple of years ago, her grandson – with whom she lived – said she “feels more recognised in other countries than locally”. At the time her daughter Lorraine was living in Kuwait and touring Canada performing tributes to her mom who remained popular abroad.

Klassen earned several awards and honours during her lifetime including a woman of distinction award in Canada in 1999, South African lifetime achievement award in 2006, and the National Order of the Baobab from South Africa’s president for her “excellent achievement in and contribution to music”.

Today President Zuma said: “We have lost one of the leading pioneers of South African jazz music and promoters of the country’s cosmopolitan culture. She was a role model to many of our young and upcoming musicians and her legacy will live on for generations to come.

“We convey our deepest condolences to her family, relatives and all in the arts and culture industry. May her soul rest in peace.” 

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