by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Z Pallo Jordan
7 September 2007
Today marks a sad day in African cultural history as we lay to rest one of
the continent's greatest composers, Alan Silinga, who wrote the world famous
haunting classic, "Ntyilo Ntyilo." It is with deep sadness that we learnt of
his death on the 1 September 2007, at his home in Baziya in the Eastern Cape.
He was 85 years old. But the entire African continent and the world have been
blessed with his creative work which remains behind as part of our intellectual
and musical heritage.
We in South Africa are proud of this great son of the soil. For many
outstanding artists, "Ntyilo Ntyilo" remains an inspirational standard song
that is automatically included in their repertoire. It was first given
international circulation when performed by Miriam Makeba for whom Silinga had
initially written it. The son of a school teacher who was and outstanding choir
conductor, Silinga grew up in a family that was steeped in musical
appreciation. As a boy, he showed interest in the teachings of his father who
saw to it that his son was well versed in Western musical theory and practice.
Although the two exchanged ideas, in his teens the young Silinga was
instinctively drawn to various indigenous musical styles in his African
community.
By the time he completed his education at Saint John's College in Umthatha,
Silinga had not only emerged as a well recognised tenor vocalist but was a
creative composer whose music fused both the Western and African musical
styles. In 1941 he travelled to Johannesburg where he worked as a clerk in the
mines. But witnessing the city's explosive African musical scene, he soon
changed direction to launch a vocal group, the Gay Darkies.
This marked a turning point in his life when his unmistakable gift as a
composer was unleashed with the run-away success of his song called "Intliziyo
Zibuhlungu." In fact, the song was such a huge success that it was later
incorporated into the sound-track of the seminal African film, "Jim comes to
Joburg." After ten years at the heart of the musical scene as a trend-setting
composer, in 1951 Silinga redirected his career to work as a Marketing
Executive for the Rand Tobacco Company.
However, his primary duties entailed writing a number of very successful
jingles for President Giant cigarettes. But kept his eye fixed on the musical
scene and was the talent scout that identified the potential of a young Miriam
Makeba who was singing on a semi-professional basis with the Cuban Brothers. It
was Silinga who facilitated her recording deal with Electric and Musical
Industries (EMI) and went on to write her "Ntyilo Ntyilo" which catapulted her
into big time.
Of course, by now Silinga's compositional talents had not only opened doors
for Africans artists but had captured the imagination of the artistic
fraternity and its followers. Unfortunately, he grew disillusioned with the
exploitation of African genius by the record industry. This made him decide to
return to the Transkei in 1971 to pursue business ambitions. He financed and
built the first supermarket in Umthatha, "Mandla ka Moya" as a gesture towards
African economic self-determination.
We are proud to have been touched by the brilliant, soothing and
unmistakably indigenous music of one of the most gifted composers in African
cultural history. Silinga is an example of a highly talented artist who was not
deterred by the difficult circumstances he was confronted with. It is fitting
that his music is part of our identity and heritage as it expresses the triumph
of the spirit. We wish strength and power for his family, friends and fans.
May the soul of Alan Silinga, a great African composer rest in peace!
Enquiries:
Sandile Memela
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Arts and Culture
Cell: 082 800 3750
Premi Appalraju
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 903 6778
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
7 September 2007
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za)
