17 June 2010

The IFP has paid tribute to the legendary South African maskandi artist, Busi Mhlongo, who passed away on Tuesday evening after a long battle with cancer. 

"We pay tribute to an iconic figure, an activist, world-renowned musician and passionate, talented individual who inspired a nation through her music.

We have lost a true South Africa hero and she will be sorely missed," said Connie Zikalala, the IFP's spokesperson on Arts and Culture today. 

Zikalala said that Mhlongo will be remembered for her historic contribution to the development of maskandi guitar music and for her role in the fight against apartheid. 

"Mhlongo was the mother of maskandi music and we honour and pay tribute to her for promoting South African music, particularly maskandi, in the international arena. Her voice might be quiet now, but her legacy lives on in a generation of people she inspired, not only through her music but through the momentous role she played in drawing the world's attention to the fight for freedom and justice in South Africa. "

 Lastly Zikalala added: "The IFP would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Busi Mhlongo. May they find comfort and peace in God," concluded Zikalala.