Jazzy farewell a salute to Sticks

LOCAL jazz musicians saluted fellow musician Mzwabantu Qavu, fondly known as Sticks, at his memorial service at the Arts Centre on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture and the Chris Hani District Municipality.

IN MEMORY: Malibongwe Fololo, left, and Mike Qambi joined other musicians in a tribute to Mzwabantu ‘Sticks’ Qofu at his memorial service organised by the department of sport recreation, arts and culture and the Chris Hani District Municipality at the Arts Centre on Wednesday Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA

Sticks, who played for the Together Jazz Band, died unexpectedly on Monday after complaining about a headache.

Relative Xolela Sophitshi described him as a self-made man who knew how to put his hands to good use, playing the drums and piano – and also fixing electrical appliances.

Sophitshi said Sticks’s first set of drums as a child was an enamel dish and spoons.

“He fought for the establishment of the Arts Centre and for it to be put to good use.”

Komani Unlimited Music Association chairman Mzwandile Kupa said Sticks played a pivotal role in the association.

“He was full of ideas. He was interested in seeing jazz music develop in Komani. We formed the association for musicians in Komani because we saw that local musicians flourished and established names for themselves outside Komani as a music hub.

“One of our goals has been to take our proposals to government for a music school to be opened. As a music hub I expected Komani to have a state-of-the-art recording studio by now where local artists would market their music for their material to be sold.”

Sticks will be laid to rest in Mlungisi tomorrow.

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