With several artistic and creative personalities dying in the recent past, Qondile Khedama reflects on how the next generation has been left grappling with an identity unhinged from apartheid.
The recent loss of multiple local artists was an unusual occurrence. Not only was it a daunting experience, but it also brought excruciating pain within arts circles. What's most disturbing was the sequential way the losses happened.
It was only a few weeks ago that we mourned the death of Bulelwa "Zahara" Mkutukana, a talented and self-taught Afro-pop artist and guitarist who sang in isiXhosa, her native language, and in English. While still recovering, we were informed of the sudden passing of renowned theatre genius, producer and composer Mbongeni Ngema in a car crash. He was the creator of the Broadway hit Sarafina!