The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa has learnt with great sadness of the passing of legendary musician and activist Mr Tony Cedras.
A renowned multi-instrumentalist and session player, Mr Cedras was also as an activist who participated actively in the liberation struggle against apartheid. Mr Cedras also dedicated much of his time promoting Khoisan heritage.
Minister Kodwa says, “Tony Cedras is one of those names synonymous with the Cape Town jazz sound, who will be remembered for his excellent musicianship, activism, and for taking South African music and culture to the world. Growing up in Elsies River, Mr Cedras’ talents saw him performing in countries around the world.”
Minister Kodwa adds, “Mr Cedras was part of the group of artists who expressed their activism through the arts in the liberation struggle against apartheid. Mr Cedras used the arts as a tool to protest the injustices of apartheid, alongside the likes of Professor Mongane Serote, Ms Baleka Mbete, Mr Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, and the late Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile, Miriam Makeba and Harry Belafonte among others. He also played for many years alongside Paul Simon.”
Minister Kodwa also says ,“Mr Cedras was proud of his Khoisan heritage, sharing his knowledge and playing indigenous instruments. I am saddened at the passing of a legend who fought so much for this country’s freedom and worked as much to enrich our heritage. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and Comrades of Mr Cedras.”
For media enquiries:
Mr Litha Mpondwana
Media Liaison Officer: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
E-mail: LithaM@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 (0)64 802 3003
Ms Phatheka Ntanta
Deputy Director: Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
E-mail: PhathekaN@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 (0)83 456 1230
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