ONCE again the country is in pain, mourning the death of two talented musicians who died last week.

Vusi Ximba and Siphiwe Gcwensa were two artists who were proud of their indigenous, home-grown languages that enriched our heritage and dealt with our little coconuts who do not know or pretend not to know their mother tongues. If people followed Ximba's lead that comedy can be equally fascinating in the mother tongue, they would walk tall.

Formerly a BMG (now known as Sony) artist, Ximba's music was dropped from local radio stations when a few airheads started complaining about the lyrical content.

These are the same people who are happy listening to 50 Cent, Tupac, Ja Rule or most of the American rappers who never blink, calling our mothers bit---s, who--s or sluts. It was good coming from them but they failed to engage local artists with the idea of improving relations.

As a big fan of Ximba, my husband and I used to crack up when we listened to controversial classics like Izifebe ZaKwaMashu and Abafazi They Are No Bloody Good Dogs Izinja.

And then there was that song about cheating women who used their husband's surname when a child cried, but would then take the same child outside and whisper the real father's surname.

Instead of saying Thula Khabazela, they end up saying Thula Ndhovela wami after the lover and real father's surname.

I also loved Ximba's song about women who did not want to grow old and sleep with young men. Under the glittering lights the woman looked good and young but in the cold of night, she was dishevelled, wrinkled with no teeth, boasted an artificial leg and eye that the guy almost swallowed by mistake.

I don't remember listening to any song of Ximba's that has not left me in stitches.

The industry judged him harshly by giving carte blanche to the Americans whose lyrics were even more explicit.

When I first met Ximba, I saw this tall, amiable guy with a gummy smile and funny hat. When I jokingly confronted him about his lyrics, he apologised. I was gobsmacked.

In real life Ximba was very shy. After being poverty-stricken for a number of years, the likes of Bongani Fassie and Ishmael Da Les came to Ximba's rescue and gave him back his dignity.

And then came 100% Zulu, a stand up comedian who roped Ximba into his act and showcased his talent.

Gcwensa, on the other hand, was not the kind of man you would overlook. He had a lovely voice that I imagine would be a prerequisite for membership of a harmonious group like Avante. The group came from nowhere but conquered the gospel scene and were in demand for collaborations with other artists.

My heart is bleeding for both these men, who were initially appreciated, ignored and appreciated again. Thanks to Xolani Majozi for adopting Avante.

Some of us are getting tired of hearing about brilliant artists getting pauper's funerals. These people are not looking for hand-outs but work.

Paul Mashatile, please ensure that for every concert that the Department of Arts and Culture sponsors, you insist that at least five, starving and sidelined artists are included.

I pray that the two musicians rest in peace and that South Africans begin appreciating their own, or kanjani .