South African jazz trombone great with a global reputation Jonas Gwangwa has died

The president of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the great jazz trombonist Jonas Gwangwa who has died at the age of 83. The president said that Gwangwa was “A giant of our revolutionary cultural movement and our democratic …

Published: 24 Jan 2021. Updated: 3 years.

The president of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the great jazz trombonist Jonas Gwangwa who has died at the age of 83. The president said that Gwangwa was “A giant of our revolutionary cultural movement and our democratic creative industries.” Gwangwa, known for his work with the Jazz Epistles and as musical director of the Amandla Cultural Ensemble was active in the anti-apartheid struggle and composed on the acclaimed Cry Freedom soundtrack. He also performed at Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday tribute at London's Wembley Stadium.

Sowetan Live in South Africa reports that Gwangwa died on Saturday having had persistent health issues for the last two years and two weeks after his wife Violet Molebatsi Gwangwa passed away. Read more in Sowetan Live

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Review: Jazz Nights (BBC Radio Scotland)

Jazz Nights is presented by violinist and singer Seonaid Aitken familiar from shows such as Jazz Nights at the Quay and The Jazz House. This episode, broadcast on Sunday, includes music from Shetland saxophonist Norman Willmore and a classic spot …

Published: 23 Jan 2021. Updated: 3 years.

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Jazz Nights is presented by violinist and singer Seonaid Aitken familiar from shows such as Jazz Nights at the Quay and The Jazz House. This episode, broadcast on Sunday, includes music from Shetland saxophonist Norman Willmore and a classic spot featuring Dizzy Gillespie's 'A Night In Tunisia'. The Diz spot wasn't nearly so compelling as the presentation leading into it was a case of jazzsplaining, chalk dust flying hither and thither, as guest Richard Michael worked himself up into a right lather. However, the show's sprawling track selections somehow made sense and ever positive Aitken was natural and even pally. Willmore's album Alive & Well At The Muckle Roe Hall is released next month. Stephen Graham

Link: to listen. Seonaid Aitken, top. Photo: BBC