Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
The Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology notes,
with sadness and grief, the death of Simon `Mahlathini' Nkabinde.
Mahlathini, as he was affectionately known to millions of his
music followers, spent more than three decades of his life in the
music industry as a composer and performer. His great talent as an
innovative artist will be greatly missed. As an exponent of the
genre, he popularised umbhaqanga music and put it on its rightful
place in the international music arena. In so doing he raised the
flag of this nation, and stood for hope during the dark years of
our isolation.
He stood up as a role model for most of our young artists - most
of these artists acknowledge his role in shaping their lives as
musicians.
At 61 his spirit was never dampened by age or a series of
difficult experiences in the music industry. His death is surely a
loss not only to his family and friends but to the entire music
fraternity and the people of South Africa. To his band and family
we say we are with you, South Africa is with you.
Most disturbing has been the reports that a man of such a
stature, who has held countless live shows and concerts, recorded
over 30 albums died almost broke. This reveals some of the brutal
practices in our music industry. It raises more questions than
answers about how the industry values its artists, who are the
life-blood of the industry. It brings into question whether the
systems and mechanisms are in place to give our artists the dignity
that they deserve as the creative powerhouse of the nation. It
presents a challenge to us as government and the nation to act
swiftly in correcting some of the wrongs in the music industry.
When a great artist such as Mahlathini dies a pauper as it is
reported in the press, we can only be ashamed of ourselves as a
nation.
The Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology is
currently seeking ways and means of normalising our cultural
industries including music, film, publishing, crafts and design,
though on recently adopted Cultural Industries Growth Industries.
Working with our colleagues in government and in partnership with
the artists and organised business we have created a platform in
which ideas can flow and interchange in a vivid strategy to create
among others a music industry that will function like any other
normal music industry in the world, in which the rights and dignity
of the artist as a human being are balanced with the needs for the
industry to strive for and survive on quality.
Through this we hope there will be no more tragic stories of
great, highly celebrated artists who die and be buried as paupers.
As a tribute the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and
Technology dedicates this praise to Mahlathini:
Farewell man of valour! Sleep courageous one
Your work is as great and famous
As Drakensburg
You were a great reflection of valour
Your music will endure
Let your roar be heard in the new land
Let your roar resound from generation to generation
Africa moans Yonke I-Afrika iyakhala
The world is bereaved
The tears of the nation are flowing
Like the river Nile
Go on, and roar, Man of Valour!
To the family, the band, the Makgona Tsohle Band, Gallo Africa
and the music fraternity, we say your sorrow is our sorrow, your
tears are our tears.
DR B S NGUBANE, MP
MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PRIVATE BAG X894
Pretoria
4 August 1999