Renowned jazz musician Bheki Mseleku has died at the age of 53 after a long battle with diabetes, Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan said on Wednesday.
“He was a supremely talented creative visionary,” said Jordan in a statement.
He said the department had learnt that “piano maestro” Mseleku, who was born in KwaZulu-Natal, died in the United Kingdom on Monday.
“We offer our condolences to his wife, Nomvula Ndlazilwane, the Mseleku family, relatives, friends and the jazz fraternity. May the ancestral spirits grant them spiritual strength to see them through this difficult period.”
Jordan said Mseleku had been living in the UK and sadly seemed to have disappeared from the glitter and glamour of the live music scene in South Africa.
He said Mseleku had chosen to spend much of his time in Europe, especially London, in pursuit of lucrative deals and opportunities for live performances, but that most importantly, it was to assert his right to live in a country of his choice.
Born in Lamontville, KwaZulu-Natal, Mseleku was from an artistically inclined family who took charge of his life and fate when he taught himself to play various instruments.
In 1975, he moved to Johannesburg where he joined Spirits Rejoice.
“Immediately, he established himself as a remarkable electronic organ player who was destined to be one of the finest musicians in the world,” said Jordan.
R.I.P
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