In this file picture, the late Steve Kekana performs at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.Picture: Phando/Jikelo/African News Agency (ANA)
Johannesburg - Another one of South Africa’s legends has passed on.
Musician Steve Kekana died on Thursday after a short illness.
His manager, Xolani Majozi, said the 63-year-old was in Limpopo when he died.
Majozi said he had been interacting with Kekana just a few days ago and he was fine.
“I think it was a short illness and he was rushed to the hospital,” he said.
Majozi has worked with Kekana for the past five years as his manager and producer of his last album, Wela.
“We were also involved in a number of shows. We did a tribute concert for him in 2017 – Iphupho: The Dream. The show was aimed at celebrating his life and taking his friends through the journey of his music career. It was a great success. This last album (Wela) was, unfortunately, his last one.”
Majozi said before Kekana’s death they were planning to do a concert for him as the Take Your Love singer wanted to record a live DVD.
“We were in pre-production trying to put the concept together and putting together the song selections. He was a wonderful person, very knowledgeable about the industry and an advocate for other artists.
“I learnt a lot from him because he was well versed in legal issues and the business pertaining to the music industry. He was more like a father to me, because he was much older than me. His moral values and how he viewed things in life was something I learnt a lot from.”
The singer-songwriter lost his sight at age 5 and went on to attend a school for the blind, where he honed his music talent.
Kekana was one of the founding members of the Southern African Disabled Musicians’ Association (SADMA).
SADMA chairperson John Mothopeng said Kekana’s death was a major loss.
“We would all brag about him and his successes, encouraging others to look upon him as motivation. He was an asset and an intellectual,” he said.
Mothopeng added that Kekana was the association’s go-to legal person, assisting in formulating the constitution for SADMA.
“He was co-operative and sympathetic, very dedicated to the artists. He got the opportunity to work for the arts department and he had so many hits.
“He was very precious to us disabled people, and the association wants to send its condolences to the family, we are so sorry,” said Mothopeng.
He added that the multi award-winning Kekana, who received more than 70 Golden Disc Awards, was a pioneer who was destined for success.
“The way Steve managed to get so many gold discs, he also qualified to have been granted a street name. He needs to be honoured.”
Kekana’s discography includes 33 albums between 1977 and 2018. He worked with the likes of the late Ray Phiri, Nana Coyote, Joe Nina and Hotline, featuring PJ ‘Thandeka’ Powers.
Joe Nina, who was recently recording with Kekana, said he would hold on to all their memories.
“He was an amazing and joyful person. More than anything he was very intellectual. He played a big role in my life as a father figure,” he said.
Just last week, Nina and Kekana were recording some lyrics for an upcoming song.
“We had a beautiful time and so much fun; it was like he knew this was going to happen. The week before that, we were at Maponya Mall celebrating a legend in jazz. When everyone saw him they were in tears.
“That is how much of an impact he had on people. It’s all those moments I will keep in my mind. The memories live on,” said Nina.
Details relating to the late icon’s memorial service and funeral will be announced in due course.
The Star
