“We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of our great jazz musician, Winston Mankunku,” stated the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana. “Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Winston Mankunku, he will continue to live on through the memories we share of him and through his powerful music. He was a true African legend whose music speaks to the soul of the South African people.”
Winston Mankunku ‘Ngozi was a leading tenor saxophonist, an exponent who played with the likes of Dudu Pukwana, Chris McGregor, Barney Rachabane and Victor Ntoni. He also performed with many international musicians including Chick Corea, Jack Van Poll, Toots Thielemans, Manu Dibango Dave Young and Mike Rossi. He contributed to South African jazz over the past four decades.
Mankunku’s work continued to withstand the test of time as he recently did a DVD recording with an orchestrated concert featuring Darryl Andrews Big Band, pianist Andile Yenana, trumpeter Marcus Wyatt, Mike Perry, 12 backing vocalists and many more musicians.
When one thinks of Mankunku, his very popular and enigmatic ‘Yakhal’ Inkomo’ comes to mind which he recorded with Lionel Pillay on the piano, Agrippa Magwaza on the bass and Early Mabuza on the drums in 1968. It became one of South Africa’s jazz standards, alongside Abdullah Ibrahim’s Mannenberg, Mackay Davashe’s ‘Lakutshon’ iLanga’ and Allen Silinga’s ‘Ntyilo Ntyilo’. Our famous poet Wally Mongane Serote also published a book of poems under the title of ‘Yakhal’ Inkomo’.
His music was not only about self-expression, but began a dialogue about reality which condemned oppression and sought to further humanise us to propel us to greater freedom.
Mankunku remained firmly located on South African soil though his music formed a part of the body of work that came under the cross pollination with both African-American and the African Diaspora which showed an artist who embraced internationalism therefore composing a track called “Dedication” that is subtitled to Daddy Trane and Brother Silver referring to Coltrane and pianist Horace Silver.
Mankunku had become a legend in his own time and becoming a shining beacon through his innovation and creativity, his work opened a pathway to new styles and new trends. Some of his recordings include “Jika”, “Molo Africa” and Abantwana Be Africa” The 66 year old musician had become an icon in South African jazz music.
“He influenced an entire generation of musicians who in turn have made their mark on the international and local music scene. We shall continue to hear the strains of his music in our everyday lives,” Minister Xingwana stated.
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
13 October 2009
