Jazz legend, Jonas Gwangwa, has been described as a family man whose death has left a void that can’t be filled.
This is according to family representative, Richard Mokgata, who addressed the Special Provincial Official Funeral service of Gwangwa in Sophiatown in Johannesburg.
The jazz icon and cultural activist, died on Saturday at the age of 83.
Mokgata says he is pained by the loss.
“On 23 January, my dear brother passed away and he left an empty space in my heart. January 23 was one of the saddest and most painful days in my life. It is a memory that can never be erased from my mind or my heart. Although I told him many times that I loved him dearly, I would give anything to turn back [the] time and tell him that I loved him one more time,” explains Mokgata.
Meanwhile, music legend, Caiphus Semenya, a close friend of Gwangwa, says their relationship stretches back to when they were both teenagers.
Speaking at the funeral service, Semenya said he can’t help but feel sad as he keeps losing friends and giants in the music and art industry.
“Two years back, I was also one amongst many, who came to Hugh Masekela’s funeral to bid him farewell. Before that, Hugh and myself sang the song Hush at Miriam Makeba’s funeral. Another year, ous Dorothy’s funeral, another one Thandi Klaasen. And I keep watching all these people that I grew up with in this business as each and everyone of them departs,” adds Semenya.
Below is the live stream of the funeral service:
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