Johannesburg – Messages of condolences have been pouring in for choral music composer and conductor, Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo.
Professor Khumalo passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89.
He was born on 20 June 1932 to parents who were in the Salvation Army Ministries.
Most of his music was in isiZulu and, having lived in rural KwaZulu-Natal, his compositions reflected his religion and tradition.
He helped put together the first Zulu opera, Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu.
It was an opera showcasing the work written by the princess, who was also the mother of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The late Sibongile Khumalo released an album in 2005 which included music from that opera.
“Prof Khumalo was a colossal figure in South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape. He was undoubtedly an authority in literature and African languages, who deserved every accolade that he received in his lifetime,” said Minister Nathi Mthethwa upon hearing of his passing.
Khumalo is also known for being a prominent folksong arranger‚ choral composer and choir director.
Most notably, Khumalo was part of the committee that amalgamated the Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika prayer with Die Stem to form the post-apartheid South African national anthem.
His music continues to feature prominently in music festivals and competitions in the country and abroad.
“As the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, we celebrate his contribution to the arts and heritage landscape and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends and to the industry at large. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said in a statement.
The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) also commented on the passing of the musical icon.
Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO sent his condolences: “The passing away of Professor Khumalo is a serious loss to the music industry. He was a repository of knowledge and a well of information when it comes to African folklore, musicality and choral music. He lived a long and beautiful life and gave his country a great songbook, that includes a national anthem, we can be proud of. We send our condolences to the Khumalo family, the choral music community, colleagues and fans of this iconic son of the soil.”
More messages of condolences from social media:
It is with a heavy heart that we learnt of the passing on of the revered composer who worked on the post-apartheid national anthem, Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo.
We send our condolences to his family and friends.#RIPProfessorMzilikaziKhumalo🕊️ pic.twitter.com/p66GZOzhPh
— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) June 22, 2021
Minister @NathiMthethwaSA on the passing of Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo: "He was a colossal figure in South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape" 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/R2d3XsFWLl
— Masechaba🇿🇦 (@MasechabaAfrica) June 23, 2021
DA is saddened by the passing of legendary composer & music conductor Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo.He has paved the way for many young musicians & will be remembered for his contributions to the composition of our new democratic national anthem#MzilikasiKhumaloRIP#RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/3Ddy7ChGnJ
— People's servant (@tsepomhlongo) June 23, 2021
Saddened by the news of the passing away of Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo this afternoon. Maestro par excellence, composer of one of my favourite compositions, UShaka KaSenzangakhona. And appreciative of his classical musical contribution to SA spanning over decades. MHRIP. pic.twitter.com/LeuAsesE9e
— Thozamile_Mvumvu _Tshabalala (@MT_150) June 22, 2021
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