THE death this week of legendary musician Nana Coyote, who made his mark in the 1980s as part of a rich heritage of southern African sounds, has understandably touched many people.
THE death this week of legendary musician Nana Coyote, who made his mark in the 1980s as part of a rich heritage of southern African sounds, has understandably touched many people.
He died at the age of 55 after he was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital two weeks ago.
Coyote, whose real name was Tsietsi Daniel Motijoane, was the lead singer of Stimela, a band that defined its own sound and huge masses of followers.
At the time of his death, Coyote had been pursuing a solo career and also doubled as a member of a trio with Steve Kekana and Joe Nina.
A man-about-town, he was always humorous off stage and this might have contributed to his charming of many a woman, resulting in him having fathered quite a number of children. Coyote did not hide this fact from those he was comfortable with.
But on stage Coyote became known for his electrifying growling voice and his ability to sing in both falsetto and bass, which earned him the tag Wild Dog.
He started his career in Lesotho, singing for Uhuru (now known as Sankomota) and later joined The Black Five before moving to Johannesburg in the 1980s.
Sankomota, like Stimela, was a truly African band whose sound did not only define, but also was part of a small movement of musicians who were culturally conscious and whose music was connected to the communities of southern Africa.
Coyote and others like him had shown that musical gifts could transcend borders through his wide-ranging collaborative work with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Benjamin Dube, Kelly Khumalo, DJ Cleo, Moses Khumalo and Nhlanhla Nciza.
It was Coyote's work with Stimela and on his own that earned this singer, songwriter and performer an enduring place in the hearts of music fans all over Africa.
Coyote's talents was spotted by Stimela's Lloyd Lelosa and, later, Ray Phiri - and when Phiri left to tour with Paul Simon, Coyote stepped into his considerable shoes and went on to record several albums with this now legendary group.
His solo work earned Coyote more fans and respect from his peers.
Among his solo projects were the albums and singles Whirlwind Love Affair, Current Uyainyova, Who's The Lord of the House?, Save the World, Vuku'zenzele, Joale Ke Nako and Majaja.
The Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition is devastated at the death of yet another musician who has contributed to Africa's music heritage.
"A humanitarian and always speaking up for the great results of cross-border African collaboration, Coyote's death is a real loss for Africa's creative community," said Andre le Roux of Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition.
He will be buried next week after arrangements have been finalised.
'a real loss' for CONTINENT
THE death this week of legendary musician Nana Coyote, who made his mark in the 1980s as part of a rich heritage of southern African sounds, has understandably touched many people.
THE death this week of legendary musician Nana Coyote, who made his mark in the 1980s as part of a rich heritage of southern African sounds, has understandably touched many people.
He died at the age of 55 after he was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital two weeks ago.
Coyote, whose real name was Tsietsi Daniel Motijoane, was the lead singer of Stimela, a band that defined its own sound and huge masses of followers.
At the time of his death, Coyote had been pursuing a solo career and also doubled as a member of a trio with Steve Kekana and Joe Nina.
A man-about-town, he was always humorous off stage and this might have contributed to his charming of many a woman, resulting in him having fathered quite a number of children. Coyote did not hide this fact from those he was comfortable with.
But on stage Coyote became known for his electrifying growling voice and his ability to sing in both falsetto and bass, which earned him the tag Wild Dog.
He started his career in Lesotho, singing for Uhuru (now known as Sankomota) and later joined The Black Five before moving to Johannesburg in the 1980s.
Sankomota, like Stimela, was a truly African band whose sound did not only define, but also was part of a small movement of musicians who were culturally conscious and whose music was connected to the communities of southern Africa.
Coyote and others like him had shown that musical gifts could transcend borders through his wide-ranging collaborative work with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Benjamin Dube, Kelly Khumalo, DJ Cleo, Moses Khumalo and Nhlanhla Nciza.
It was Coyote's work with Stimela and on his own that earned this singer, songwriter and performer an enduring place in the hearts of music fans all over Africa.
Coyote's talents was spotted by Stimela's Lloyd Lelosa and, later, Ray Phiri - and when Phiri left to tour with Paul Simon, Coyote stepped into his considerable shoes and went on to record several albums with this now legendary group.
His solo work earned Coyote more fans and respect from his peers.
Among his solo projects were the albums and singles Whirlwind Love Affair, Current Uyainyova, Who's The Lord of the House?, Save the World, Vuku'zenzele, Joale Ke Nako and Majaja.
The Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition is devastated at the death of yet another musician who has contributed to Africa's music heritage.
"A humanitarian and always speaking up for the great results of cross-border African collaboration, Coyote's death is a real loss for Africa's creative community," said Andre le Roux of Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition.
He will be buried next week after arrangements have been finalised.
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