of Tsakani âTKâ Mhinga
28 February 2006
It is sad, indeed, to see a young, black and gifted young woman artist die
at such a tender age. However, it would not help to rave against fate or
time.
We offer our condolences to the Mhinga family, relatives and friends and
wish that the ancestral spirits will give them strength to see them through
this difficult period.
In her own right, âTKâ as she was popularly known, was one of the few
important singers who were coming up in a self-determined way to redefine the
musical scene in a post-apartheid society.
There is no doubt that she was an African child and a young, bright woman
whose maturing vision was shaped in the years of transition and transformation
in our history.
It is significant to note that she was widely recognized and acknowledged as
an artist who promoted âcross-overâ music, which may be a difficult route to
travel. However, none of this creative courage would have emerged had she not
dipped deep into the well of her own musical heritage and the legacy of those
who had gone before.
In fact, at the time of her death, she was making waves in the redefinition,
growth and development of local music. Yes, Ms Mhinga had the creative courage
to not only embrace African-American Rhythm & Blues but to infuse this
genre with an unmistakably indigenous feel and vibe. Unfortunately, mystery
still surrounds the circumstances around her death.
However, it is not for us to engage in speculative thinking that will
distract us from her role and contribution in the development of indigenous
music, fashion and culture. What we know is that Ms Mhinga was not removed from
connections with her peers and contemporaries who, apparently, were with her
during her last hours on earth.
This is but one indication of her connections to other genres of music like
âkwaitoâ which may not have been necessarily pronounced in her choices to do
Rhythm & Blues. In fact, her musical style reflected a choice that
attempted to embrace African-American influences and anchor it in indigenous
roots.
Thus, in her own way, Ms Mhinga was a significant example of a young artist
who desired to reach a global audience. It would be incorrect for anyone to
assume that she was an imitation who tried to be an American.
After all, there are much more similarities than differences between
African-American experiences and what black Africans have been exposed to in
our country. And Rhythm & Blues has always been used as an outlet to
express the black experience. What makes her passing away more hurtful is that
it happens in a year when we celebrate not only just the 30th Anniversary of
June 16 but the strength, courage and resilience of the youth which resulted in
a turning point in our history.
Also, this is the year we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Womenâs
âAnti-Passâ March to Pretoria. At 27 years of age, Ms Mhinga was certainly
emerging as a powerful woman contributing to national identity, nurturing unity
among all our people across race and cultural self-determination.
Significantly, she was an example of an artist who used her talent not only
to bring pleasure and entertainment to fans and the nation, but revealed that
music is a tool for economic self-liberation.
We hope that her life will remain an example of someone who was a role model
who took control of her own individual life despite the background she came
from.
We will sadly miss her but do believe that has done the best she could in
her short life to make an indelible impression in the musical monuments of our
heritage and legacy.
May her soul rest in peace!
Enquiries:
Sandile Memela
Cell: 082 800 3750
Issued by: Ministry of Arts and Culture
28 February 2006
