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Mail & Guardian
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Blue Notes for Bra Louis: The final beat of a jazz revolutionary
Louis Moholo-Moholo performing at The Orbit in Johannesburg on 25 May 2017. Photo by Siphiwe Mhlambi. Free jazz flowed through the streets of Langa when visiting the Moholo family home. Outside in the courtyard facing the street, Louis Tebogo Moholo-Moholo and his late wife Ma Mpumi would sit with visitors armed with a sound system and a speaker blasting some of the wildest avant-garde music at high volumes. People walking in the street would come in to greet, while children were in and out of the yard, often being handed sweets. The drummer — revolutionary, mentor and friend to many — died on the morning of Friday 13 June at the age of 85, sending sadness echoing throughout the jazz world. Bra Louis, or Bra Tebz as he was often fondly referred to, was one of the greatest musicians in the world. He lived with energy; a vibrant and fiery spirit that never stopped fighting for freedom and for uplifting the people of South Africa. Those lucky enough to watch him perform over seven decades witnessed an intense passion that embodied freedom in every way. 'Yes baby, no baby!' he would often shout while playing, which audiences would shout back. He was also very stylish with his Fedora hats and cool T-shirts (some of which he painted himself). 'We love you, we love you, you don't have to love us, but we love you!' was another famous saying. These signature chants were known worldwide, as Moholo's reach was far beyond what we might imagine. He lived and breathed music, in every possible way. Louis Moholo-Moholo performing at Guga S'thebe in his community of Langa in 2018. Photo: Terence Visagie. The Blue Notes 'That band was made in heaven,' is what Moholo would say when talking about The Blue Notes, one of the finest bands in South African history, the members of which all died in exile. He was the last remaining one. Moholo was born on 10 March 1940 in Langa, Cape Town. The street where the family lived was home to several musicians, including the great Christopher 'Columbus' Ngcukana. Langa is one of the oldest townships in the country, which bred many great artists, such as Brenda Fassie. He started playing drums as a child, after being inspired by marching bands, and later joined the Young Rhythm Chordettes. Moholo was mentored by musicians like Cups Nkanuka, who also lived in Langa and took many musicians in the 1950s under his wing. Apartheid laws oppressed black musicians, and in That same year, he left South Africa with The Blue Notes, made up of bassist Johnny Dyani, trumpeter Mongezi Feza, pianist Chris McGregor, and saxophonists Nikele Moyake and Dudu Pukwana. The band was invited to play at the Antibes Festival in France and what was initially a temporary departure became permanent exile. They moved to Zürich in Switzerland and played at the Club Africana, assisted by Abdullah Ibrahim and Sathima Bea Benjamin. The Blue Notes playing at the Antibes Festival in France in 1964, after first leaving South Africa. The band then moved to London, after an invitation to appear at Ronnie Scott's. They were hugely influential on the British jazz scene. The The Blue Notes embodied an attitude of revolution — it showed through their music and the way they lived. Moholo later continued with Brotherhood of Breath (led by Chris McGregor), and was the bandleader of The Dedication Orchestra, Viva La Black and 4 Blokes. In her biography, influential Swiss free jazz pianist Irène Schweizer —who died last year — describes at length Moholo's influence on her. She met him at Club Africana in 1964, when the Blue Notes landed in Zürich, and performed with him throughout his life. In the book, Moholo is quoted as saying on arriving in Zürich, 'We gave the audience the satisfaction of that high-level music, because this band was made in heaven. So unlucky that they all died; it's like I have been fired from the band and I think maybe they're having a big, big show in heaven!' A life well lived Life in exile was tough, with setbacks such as surviving without a passport or having a drumkit lost. But Moholo had a champion spirit and kept playing through the struggle. He has played on hundreds of records — the true figure is not known. Every time we sat together to listen to music, he would pull out a new album that he had recorded with someone somewhere in the world. Throughout his career, he played with celebrated musicians of the free jazz world like Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Keith Tippett, Wadada Leo Smith, Evan Parker, Stan Tracey, Alexander Hawkins, Irène Schweizer, Enrico Rava, Roswell Rudd, Peter Brötzmann, Derek Bailey, John Tchicai, Saadet Türköz and more. In October 1969, jam session with Frank Zappa, Philly Joe Jones, Earl Freeman, Louis Moholo-Moholo, Johnny Dyani, Grachan Moncur and Archie Shepp at the Festival Actuel in Amougies, Belgium. Photo: Jacques Bisceglia (Supplied by family). A programme for the UK's Bracknell Festival from 1979 quotes British music journalist Steve Lake saying, 'Louis draws rhythms out of nowhere, brings a sense of cohesion and righteous logic to the most uncompromising free blowing, even while stoking the excitement to almost unbelievable plateaux of intensity. His intuitive balance — between control and intensity — is very rare: most drummers possess either one quality or the other.' Moholo played mostly in the UK, but also all over Europe, and even lived in Argentina. A friend in Italy, Riccardo Bergerone, describes that once, while on tour with Viva La Black in 1989 in Turin, Moholo had a heart attack on stage. He had health issues over the years but was not one to dwell on serious things. In September 2005, he returned to South Africa with Ma Mpumi, and though the couple could live in an upmarket suburb in Cape Town, they missed Langa and opted to return. It was through visits to his home that we cemented a friendship that would last for his remaining years. He loved drinking rooibos tea and had a penchant for sweet things like chocolate cake and peanut butter. Ma Mpumi and Louis Moholo-Moholo at a performance. Photo: Supplied by the family. One of the most captivating things about watching Moholo on stage was how he did not care who musicians were or how old you were, as long as you could play. 'Play, man! Play!' he would sometimes urge younger band members, insisting that they give everything they had to the music — a defiant spirit dedicated to the sound. In 2019, Moholo played one of his last gigs at Guga S'thebe in Langa. For many years after, he struggled to walk and could no longer play, but in his head, he was always composing or singing, and always listening. In times when he was bed-ridden, we would gather, just like in the courtyard but now in his bedroom, where he would listen to many albums — very loudly. Musicians from all over the world would come to visit him. On his playlist often were free jazz tunes, and repeatedly music by Abbey Lincoln, in particular the songs They Call it Jazz, Skylark and Through the Years (composed by Bheki Mseleku). And often, accompanied by a spliff of sorts, Moholo would sing and croon the words. It is impossible to capture Moholo's life in one article — he lived large and beautifully — and will be remembered by all who knew him. UK musician Shabaka Hutchings says: 'We've lost a giant of creative music in the passing of Louis Moholo-Moholo, one of those elders who have lived a life in service of sound and energy and feeling…I learnt so much from this man that it's difficult to fully articulate the lessons passed down…I remember the last tour we did with him, supporting him as he walked onto stage whispering, 'Yes baby, no baby, yes baby, no baby,' as he hyped us all into that subtle dance we were preparing to engage.' Shabaka Hutchings, Louis Moholo-Moholo, Tumi Mogorosi and Siyabonga Mthembu performing with Shabaka and the Ancestors in 2017, Photo: Eitan Prince. For his contributions to music, he received several awards including a What happened to the Blue Notes in the end? Moyake had returned to South Africa in 1965, and died a year later. Feza died in London in 1975 (at only 30 years old), and the remaining band members recorded the tribute album, Blue Notes for Mongezi. Dyani died in 1986 in Berlin, Germany, and another tribute album was made titled Blue Notes for Johnny. McGregor died in 1990 and a month later, Pukwana. For all his bandmates, Moholo released an album, For the Blue Notes, in 2014. Now with his death as the final note, we can honour his life, music, humour and long-standing influence as Blue Notes for Louis Moholo-Moholo. Bra Louis's death is a massive loss for us but there is comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his family, Ma Mpumi and his beautiful band — all of whom he loved so much. ____________ **Louis Moholo-Moholo's funeral will be held on 28 June 2025.
India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Langa's Sachin conquers Lord's: Temba Bavuma lifts Test mace, unites a nation
"I think for us as a country, you know, here's an opportunity for us to - as divided as we are at times - to forget all of that, rejoice in this moment, and just be one. You know, I'm sure the people back home will be celebrating it with us, and you can trust that we'll be celebrating it, Temba Bavuma said after leading South Africa to the pinnacle of Test cricket on Saturday, June Cricket Ground was thick with emotion—triumphant chants echoing off its historic stands-as South Africa were crowned World Test like life, often has a poetic rhythm. It rewards the right act at just the right time. And on Saturday, when South Africa clinched its first-ever major ICC trophy under the leadership of its first Black African captain, Temba Bavuma, it felt fitting in more ways than one. For a nation long scarred by racial division, its maiden title in a traditionally Anglicised sport came under the stewardship of one of its most powerful symbols of parallels with Siya Kolisi-captain of South Africa's dominant rugby side-are unmistakable. Yet Bavuma's journey is singular, and no less Sunday, South Africa lifted the World Test Championship title, defeating Australia at Lord's. Aiden Markram produced a sublime century, while Bavuma contributed a gritty 66 as the Proteas chased down 282-the joint second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at the historic London venue. As Kyle Verreynne struck the winning runs, millions across the country erupted in by 74 after the first innings, despite a Kagiso Rabada special, South Africa appeared out of the contest. But inspired spells from Rabada and Lungi Ngidi in the second innings turned the tide, before Markram and Bavuma stitched together a partnership for the ghosts of the rain-ruined 1992 semi-final, the haunted faces of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn in 2015. At last, they can be laid to rest. South Africa shed the long-standing 'C' tag, outclassing serial winners Australia when it mattered SACHIN TENDULKARAt the heart of this redemption stood Bavuma, adding yet another stirring chapter to his already remarkable Africa's triumph at Lord's resonates on multiple levels. It is a tribute to the greats undone by the near-misses of the past. More than that, it represents a step forward in their ongoing struggle for recognition-and relevance-in a Test landscape often dominated by the 'Big Three' and their luminous Bavuma, the man in the spotlight, has had to shoulder expectations like few he started out, he idolised Sachin Tendulkar. In fact, in his township, some of his friends nicknamed him Langa's Sachin Tendulkar. He believes it was likely due to his height-his "short stature."advertisementAs he climbed the ladder, earning a place in one of Cape Town's elite schools and eventually becoming one of the few Black African batters to represent South Africa, his admiration for Tendulkar took on deeper meaning. He still marvelled at Tendulkar's elegance against the world's best, but what truly fascinated him was the Indian great's ability to carry the weight of a billion expectations every time he walked out to bat. Temba Bavuma battled a hamstring injury during his WTC final knock (Reuters Photo) "Yeah, I think it was more just-I mean, I enjoyed his technique, how he went about his batting. Also, where I was from in Langa, affectionately, the guys would call me that. Probably because of the stature-so I always kind of grew up with that. My uncles were always pushing me to try to model my game around him. They played cricket at the time that they could, so that's why it kind of came about," Bavuma told the Test Match Special podcast earlier in the more you get into the game, the more you appreciate the player-for his ability to perform the way he did, how he went about his business. If I were to meet him again, now being a lot older, there are questions I would like to understand-how he was able to still continue on with his game irrespective of the expectation that he carried, which was of a different nature," he South Africa's readmission to cricket in 1991 after apartheid, the country has produced several Black African bowling greats. Yet only a handful of batters have truly broken through at the highest vs AUS, WTC Final: HighlightsWhen South Africa returned to the international fold, its team remained overwhelmingly white. In 1998, a quota system was introduced, requiring at least four players of colour-including Black Africans, Coloureds and Asians-in each playing XI. Though scrapped in 2007, transformation targets were later introduced in 2016, mandating 25% Black African representation in squads, later rising to 33%, with a requirement of six players of colour in national these initiatives, Black African players were often unfairly branded as "quota players," with their abilities questioned. Makhaya Ntini, South Africa's first Black African Test cricketer, criticised the system for devaluing achievements. Others, like Ashwell Prince and Ethy Mbhalati, recounted feelings of isolation and 2020-21, Cricket South Africa launched the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) hearings, which exposed systemic racism in the team environment. The resulting report highlighted entrenched discrimination and pushed CSA to commit to structural reform and improved support is one of the many who lived the BATTLES AGAINST BARRIERSFailure in professional sport is difficult. The knives come out. Questions are asked. Doubt creeps in, even among the very best. For Bavuma, the scrutiny has often been more than just professional. His place in the side was questioned-not on form alone, but on merit. The insinuation? That he was there as a "quota player." Racism dressed as cricketing critique."You know, as players-when things are not good, when you have these scores and you're not taking wickets-you face the type of criticism where you are labelled as a quota player, which obviously has a negative connotation to it. And, look, I guess when I scored that hundred (maiden hundred), I don't think it really dispelled it, you know? Because I think as players, we all go through runs of poor form-that's just how the game is. That's just how being a batter is-you fail more than you succeed."advertisementBavuma prevailed. When he scored the first century by a Black African batter in 2016-ending a 126-year wait-he and those closest to him hoped the noise might die down. It didn't. It took another six years for him to hit his next century. Coincidentally, it was also only the second century by a Black African drove him was the realisation-of what it meant. Of the impact he could have. Of the power his story could hold for the marginalised majority."I think my first emotion, to be honest, was the fact that I had just scored my first hundred as an international cricketer. I think that's always something that kind of hangs over you as a young cricketer trying to make your mark at any level. So a lot of my emotions were around that-the fact that my family was there: my parents, my sister, my brothers, my late cousin-they were there."Every day that they were present, I think that's one thing that I noticed while I was batting. Most of those kids-some of those kids-they came from Langa. I could hear them chanting my name, and I guess the way they were saying it, I could tell that they were from Langa."I think that was almost like a realisation for me that, you know, one day I was also one of those kids-taken from the classroom in Langa, going to Newlands Stadium, waiting for lunch or tea to run onto the field and dream of being out there."So I think that was one of the realisations. And then obviously, around the significance of it all-which I finally understood after the occasion-the significance, considering our history, all the effort, sacrifices, our struggles that people went through so that I could have that opportunity," he learned not just to live with the chatter. He rose above it. He showed what consistent opportunities and timely backing can do for talents from his part of the country. He earned the captaincy after a sensational run in the post-Covid era and became one of the most dependable batters in a South African Test side navigating a period of transition and 2021, Bavuma has averaged 49.77. With 711 runs, he was South Africa's highest run-scorer in their most successful World Test Championship Saturday, he also extended his perfect record as captain: nine wins, including the big one, in 10 Sunday, Bavuma and his team won it for their country, for their communities, and for the belief in a better future. It was also about whispering to the world, and shouting to themselves: this cap still matters in an era dominated by franchise-based T20 didn't punch the air in triumph. While his teammates raced onto the field after the winning runs were struck, he was seated at the Lord's balcony, letting it all sink in. The weight of centuries. The wait of 27 years. All of it, finally lifted."(I want) to be recognised as more than just a black African cricketer, and to be seen as someone who has done something the country has wanted. I will walk around with my chest out and hope it continues to inspire our country," he boys have given South Africa a moment to believe in. A reason to come together. And perhaps, a new way forward.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Temba Bavuma and South Africa's unlikely triumph shows why Test cricket is worth saving
Cradling the Test mace, soaking up the sweet taste of success, Temba Bavuma perhaps took a moment to reflect on a long and unlikely journey to the top of the world. Many a great South African captain had tried and failed to lead their side to this sort of triumph, many a team of top talents falling short, the Protea name becoming a byword for blunders with the line in sight. And so it took the lad from Langa, all of five-foot-four in his spikes but a towering figure in so many senses, to overcome the derision and doubters to lead the Rainbow Nation to unlikely cricketing glory. While his tale is well told, it is worth reflecting again on the barriers Bavuma had to overcome. When first picked, certain sections of South Africa suggested a Black batter had been picked only due to transformation targets; after cementing himself in the side and earning an elevation, they questioned his captaincy. The critics are quieter now. For this victory is a story of resilience and breaking barriers, both personally and for the team. It is impossible to disentangle the story of South African cricket from matters of race, not least due to the 22-year isolation under the apartheid regime. Further back, their first series against Australia in 1902 featured a standout performance from Charlie 'Buck' Llewellyn, the first non-white South African Test cricketer – there would not be another until 1992. Until Bavuma's breakthrough hundred in Cape Town in 2016, no Black player had ever made a century for South Africa. But a team broadly drawn and led superbly by their captain, who averages nigh on 50 in the last five years, are Test champions of the world against all odds. There were plenty of detractors and doubters who felt it unfair that South Africa had played a softer schedule on their way to this final but over three-and-a-bit days they have proved themselves as worthy winners. 'I think this team's greatest strength is its unity,' batting coach Ashwell Prince said after day three. 'They are well aware that South Africa have had much greater individual players, but there is something special going on in our dressing room. 'If I'm honest, there was no talk about proving anybody wrong. There was a lot of talk about our route to the final, who we played against, and people have their opinions about that. We'd love to play against everybody more often – especially if there are big-money series where we can make some money.' Prince's words felt important because beyond the triumph lies cause for concern. This showpiece occasion displayed the best of Test cricket and yet there will be no triumphant homecoming scheduled for the champions, with no home five-day fixture scheduled for South Africa's men in their upcoming summer. It is little more than a year since Dean Elgar, Bavuma's predecessor as skipper, retired from his favourite format citing a lack of fixtures. Changes may be on the way to a World Test Championship that has brought certain benefits in contextualising long-form cricket but just as many headaches and headlines. At launch, the concept of the final was controversial yet it has been a welcome addition, heightening the stakes and each time producing a compelling contest. It is thought that the game is set to remain in England for the next few editions. Lord's has felt an appropriate venue for the fixture given its history and prestige, and has looked resplendent with close to capacity crowds and the sun beating down. Aided by immigration, the sheer interest in Test cricket in London ensures that tickets will be snapped up virtually regardless of who is involved - and the South African diaspora were in great voice throughout the final. There will understandably be a temptation to take it to the giant Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad given India's power within the game and population but the swathes of empty seats that this game might have been played to there would not have been a great look. The Pakistan issue would pose another problem. The final's position in the calendar may need some thought, though, following as it does the big block of white-ball cricket caused by the IPL. Both South Africa and Australia's batters looked lacking in preparation in the first innings particularly, with no real time to groove their techniques against the moving red ball. Indeed, the final reflected a trend more broadly of faster, more frantic Tests. 2024 was the year with the lowest bowling strike rate of any in the longest format since 1907 – though run rates are generally on the rise, too. Within that, though, may be an answer to some of the issues bedevilling Test cricket. Four-day encounters remain rarities within the schedule but with fewer and fewer encounters extending to a full 15 sessions, there is surely an argument to explore the possibility of contracting slightly. When accounting for a slight reduction in rest between Tests, a three-match series made up of games comprised of four days could be squeezed in significantly quicker than those held over five. It will perhaps feel anathema for the purists to reduce the ebb and flow that makes this game so engaging but a look at the landscape shows that something must be done. There has not been a single three-match Test series not involving at least one of England, Australia and India since 2019, a preference for short and sharp series not allowing narratives to build. In that sense, three times four is surely better than two times five. Fears over the competitive fairness in the World Test Championship are somewhat undermined by the convolution that already exists, with nations not playing identical schedules and contesting series of different lengths. Some would suggest that such a condensing could lead to a predominance of draws yet such dispiriting results have been all but eroded from the game as currently constructed – and the increased time pressures could lead to bolder captaincy to add yet more tactical complexity. The other option, of course, would be a fairer sharing of the revenue, but the economic heft that India provides the game somewhat understandably sees it hoard much of its wealth. It does feel slightly jarring to see the gaudy sums on offer in franchise cricket, though, when nations like Ireland are unable to schedule the Test cricket they need to develop due to financial concerns. The idea of two divisions will not go away – it will be divisive but should it provide the fixtures that smaller nations need, there are worse ideas. One would not have confidence that the necessary scheduling safeguards would be in place in such a scenario. But there is clearly something to savour and take solace in here. The final progressed at breakneck speed for two days and clearly mattered much, every ball an event, the themes and throughlines evident. Test cricket has been fortunate for figures like Pat Cummins, Ben Stokes, Kagiso Rabada, Virat Kohli and others for championing it through word and deed. And the sight of Bavuma clutching the ultimate prize at Lord's is an image that deserves to endure.
The Herald
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Louis Moholo-Moholo, legendary drummer, dies aged 85
Internationally acclaimed drummer Tebogo Louis Moholo-Moholo died on Friday morning after a long illness. He was 85. ' Bra Louis', as he was affectionately referred to, was born on March 10 1940 in Langa in Cape Town. 'He is considered as one of the most important jazz drummers in South Africa, known for his contribution in furthering and developing the form of free jazz. He is respected throughout the world through his time in exile in London and through playing with the iconic jazz group The Blue Notes,' the family said in a statement. It said Bra Louis was more than a pioneering musician — he was also a mentor. 'As a drummer, composer and fearless voice for artistic freedom, Louis inspired generations through his groundbreaking contributions to South African and global jazz. 'From the townships of Cape Town to the stages of London and beyond, his rhythms spoke of resistance, liberation and the boundless power of creativity. He was the last surviving member of The Blue Notes, a group that courageously took their music into exile during apartheid, and became a beacon for cultural expression and solidarity through jazz.' The family said his artistry and spirit were not just heard, but felt deeply across the world. 'We are grateful for the love and support that has already begun to pour in from across the globe.' The family said details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. TimesLIVE
News24
11-06-2025
- News24
Cape Town teen, 14, abducted and raped on her way to school
A 14-year-old girl from Langa was abducted and raped on her way to school. Police say three occupants of a white Toyota Quantum snatched the teen. The incident has left her traumatised. The community of Langa in Cape Town has been left shocked and outraged following the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old girl on Tuesday morning. According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the girl was walking to school when she briefly stopped at a spaza shop to buy chips. The driver of a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi apparently approached her, gave her money and asked her to buy cigarettes on his behalf. 'When she returned, the driver told her to place the cigarettes on the front passenger seat, claiming the window wasn't working,' said Van Wyk. 'As she tried to open the door, two passengers opened the sliding door and pulled her into the vehicle before driving off.' The suspects allegedly took the girl to an isolated field, where the driver raped her. She was later placed back in the taxi and dropped off on Washington Street, Langa. Van Wyk confirmed that the suspects were still at large and that investigations were ongoing. Community activist and chairperson of Langa's anti-gender-based violence committee, Anele Ngqasana, said the incident had rattled residents. 'The child is still traumatised. She's in shock, and the family is trying their best to support her,' he said. Ngqasana said the attack had also heightened concerns about rising violence in the area. 'This is not the Langa we know. We'll be pushing the government to allocate more resources to improve safety. Parents are scared, and rightfully so.' Anyone with information that might assist the investigation is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Lee-Ann Carstens on 082 559 4598 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
