The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape is saddened by the passing away of Bhuti Musa Mavundla on Wednesday (30th May 2018) after he has been sick for sometime .The African National Congress sends its heartfelt condolences to the Mavundla family and the music industry on the loss of such a great icon in the industry and our country at large.
We join many South Africans in paying tribute to this music icon who became a beacon of hope and who inspired many artists and individuals in our Province.
Actor, Trumpeter, Musical Director, Music Composer, Arranger and Producer Musa Lawrence Mavundla, started his acting and music career in his early teens in church where his mother was a Sunday school teacher and the pastor was his grandfather.
His talent and commitment to art kept him busy throughout his teenage years, keeping him away from substance abuse and other destructive practices that youth is subjected to. The community started noticing his talents, as an adult, when he went on an Eastern Cape Tour with Abigail Kubeka, in 1978. Backed by Soul Jazzman on his return from the tour, he featured in the musical ” BROADWAY IN AFRICA”. It was in this year that his talent as a music arranger, director and producer of concerts came to the fore, as he directed “ I HEARD THAT” featuring his own vocal group, Sunrise and other prominent musicians performing Quincy Jones music backed by The Tulips.
His career, as a trumpeter, actor and music composer, took a meaningful turn in 1980, when he was invited to join the then very popular Afroteens who, led by Sizwe Zako and Nceba Madlingozi, were subsequently commissioned to compose and record the soundtrack of a television series “ INCUTSHE” in which they were featured as actors. This led to his move to Johannesburg in 1983, where he worked with Papa And Blondie Makhene, Vusi Shange, Supafrika, Cheek To Cheek, Condry Ziqubu, Sipo Gumede and Louis And The Jive.
He returned to Port Elizabeth in 1987, to co-establish the first record label in the Eastern Cape which produced untapped talent in the name of Loyiso Bala, Phinda Mtya and Paki Xangati to mention a few. It was during this period that he grew as composer of afro-centric music simultaneously preaching to and encouraging musicians to pursue afro music and originality. This led to his involvement in community arts development projects.
In 1991, he, with his band Afromusa, was nominated for an Artes Award in the “Best Performance Of Light Music In African Languages ” category and he won that award in the following year. It was during the same year that he won The Regional Finals of “GILBEY’S MUSIC FOR AFRICA CONTEST ” and went on to be awarded as the “Best Professional Supporting Actor ” by Evening Post in Athol Fugard’s “MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS ” in 1993. During the 90s he continued to work for the upliftment of the artist simultaneously gaining experience by playing with artists like Winston Mankunku Ngozi.
Employed by The Department Of Sport, Arts And Culture, in 1996, he was deployed to Queenstown where he, through the department, established an art centre consequently reviving the dying interest in the arts. It was during his stay in Queenstown that the idea of AFROMIX PRODUCTIONS started taking shape and was established in 2001.
This band has featured and played with Mcoy Mrubata, Lulama Gawulana, Gloria Bosman and Don Laka just to mention a few. Afromix made a name for itself by sharing stage with the internationally renowned Andy Narrel from the U.S.A.
May his life’s work forever remain an inspiration to generations of artists who would emulate his example of using the arts to effect change and inspire hope.
He was a musical giant. This is indeed a huge loss for South Africa and the music industry as a whole.
At this hour of great loss, our thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow musicians. May his soul rest in peace.
Issued by:
ANC EC Communications
Enquiries:
ANC Media & Liaison Officer
Judy Mpetsheni
Mobile No: 0636878267/0731176194
ANC Communications Manager
Gift Ngqondi
Mobile No:0848439706/0849519924
