Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

Yet another celebrated South African artist, pianist Louisa Keneilwe "Lolo" Chipane, has died.

Chipane was a jazz pianist with the all-female jazz band Ladies in Jazz. She died at George Mkhari Hospital in GaRankuwa after a short illness.

Her death has left band leader Anikkie Maswanganye devastated.

"Everything looked fine with her. Just a few weeks ago we came back from Namibia where we had a successful tour, and it came as a shock to hear that she died in hospital on Saturday," said Maswanganye.

Chipane was the first born daughter of Lucas and Sophy Chipane. She was born in 1977 in Polonia, near GaRankuwa.

She attended Polonia Primary School and then did her matric at Tsogo High School. After her matriculation, she went to the Heritage Music School in Pretoria under Unisa and obtained a certificate.

She later attended the famous art school Pro-Art to further her music career, studying classical music.

Lolo studied music theory and practical with Unisa and Trinity College London.

In 2001, she went back to Pro-Art Academy to master her practical piano. In her spare time, she taught theory at three top schools.

In 2003, she joined Ladies in Jazz as a pianist, vocalist and later played percussion with the help of Maswanganye.

She is survived by both parents and a brother, Johannes Chipane.

Her memorial service will be held at the State Theatre in Pretoria from 9am today and she will be buried on Saturday.