It is with deep regret that we confirm the passing of Latozi “Madosini” Mpahleni: a legend of South African music and custodian of indigenous knowledge, art, culture, traditional music, heritage and healing.
Madosini is a name that all South Africans should know. She was a vital emissary of Xhosa culture, carrying the beauty and wisdom of her people’s culture to audiences around the globe through storytelling, music, and dance. Best known for her performances on the musical bows, the uHadi and Mhrube, Madosini attracted artists from around the world to collaborate with her, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Ringo Madlingozi, Dizu Plaatjies, Mzwandile Qotoyi, Derek Gripper, Gilberto Gil(Brazil), Hilton Schilder, Jonny Blundell, Lulu Plaitjies, Pedro Espi-Sanchis and British Rock Singer Patrick Duff.
SAMRO’s Music Archivist, Nandi Mnyani, who was close to Madosini shared these words: “I am so deeply saddened by Madosini’s passing. All she ever wanted was for us to know who we are and where we come from. I sincerely hope that her life and work will inspire young people to remember our heritage and carry the baton of indigenous music to build on her legacy.”
Madosini earned numerous accolades and awards for her work. These included the 2013 Arts & Culture Trust Lifetime Achievement Award, honours from the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, and an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University in 2020.
Just two days short of her 79th birthday, Madosini succumbed to her battle with a longstanding cardiac condition on the afternoon of Friday 23 December 2022, in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape.
Details of all funeral arrangements will be made known shortly.
IKS and Concerts SA will be sharing some footage of two of her recent performances online as we pay tribute to her life and work.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jJbSqSTAEzQgf3rVFNFqxPelZzZDLxnH/view?usp=sharing
