Linda Ximba
Seventeen years after his passing, jazz legend Sipho Gumede’s birthday celebration wish will become true.
The bassist from KwaMashu in Durban will have a concert in his honour at his favourite hangout, Bat Centre, on 17 April.
Event organiser Nise Malange said he remembers Gumede asking his close associates to organise something for him.
“Unfortunately he died while we were busy with preparations. In his honour we ensured that in the line-up we included up and coming artists since bra Sipho loved unearthing and sharing his wealth of knowledge to the young ones,” said Malange.
Bra Sipho, who at the age of 42, would have turned 59 this year.
Others set to take the audience down the memory lane include Khaya Mahlangu who was in the band Sakhile with Gumede, bassist Bongani Nkwanyana, Mazwakhe Gumede, Air Jazz, Thabiso Mnanyana, Andile Ndlovu, Hector Cebekhulu, Barney Bophela and Nomsa Ndawo.
During his career Gumede shared his expertise with artists like Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbuli, Harry Belafonte, Caiphus Semenya, Brenda Fassie, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Kippie Moeketsi, Abdullah Ebrahim, Jonas Gwangwa, Tim Thomas, Margaret Singane, Stimela and many others.
As a soloist he is fondly remembered for hits such as When Days are Dark, Friends are Few and Mantombi, dedicated to his daughter.
Picture source: @GalloRecordsSA
