JONAS GWANGWA

A pioneer of South African jazz and anti-apartheid activist who co-founded the groundbreaking group the Jazz Epistles. Jonas Gwangwa (born Jonas Mosa Gwangwa) played an influential role in the evolution of South African jazz. Along with jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand), he was a member of the Jazz Epistles, the first black South African band to release an album. Gwangwa went on to become an award-winning composer. In addition to writing the scores for such films as Cry Freedom, Generations, and Othello, he composed the theme music for South Africa's Olympic bid in 1997. Gwangwa was one of many talented musicians mentored by South African alto saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi in the early '50s. Following the disbanding of the Jazz Epistles in 1959, Gwangwa continued to make his presence known among South Africa's jazz enthusiasts. His fame spread to the United States in the mid-'60s. In 1965, Gwangwa was read more...