Minister Paul Mashatile expressed deep shock and sadness at the passing away of yet another renowned jazz musician, Hotep Galeta this morning, months after Robbie Jansen and Ezra Ngcukane.
Hotep Galeta was born in Cape Town on 7 June 1941. He contributed greatly to the body of South African jazz music as he had cut over 20 albums and CDs, many with famous musicians. His music was highly sophisticated yet very South African. Having had an opportunity to do his masters degree with distinction in jazz education and performance, he also taught at a few universities both in exile and after he returned to South Africa in 1991. He spent thirty years in exile.
He collaborated with and played with many well known jazz artists, including Hugh Masekela, Robbie Jansen, Herb Alpert, Letta Mbulu, John Handy, Abdullah Ibrahim, Winston Mankunku Ngozi and Archie Shepp. He was highly respected and well loved. He also cut a CD with Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile, who did poems whilst Hotep Galeta did the music.
Minister Mashatile recalled that in this year we lost many famous Jazz Artists like Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Robbie Jansen, Rex Rabane, Ezra Ngcukane and now Hotep Galeta. A sad year indeed for jazz lovers. Only earlier this year in April, Hotep Galeta was appointed as a Board Member of the Downtown Music Hub recently acquired by Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and given to the music sector. His passing away is a deep loss to South Africa and indeed the world on many levels.
The ministry and the department convey our sincerest condolences to his wife, family, friends and the jazz fraternity. He will live on through his vibrant music.
Hamba kahle Hotep!
