The funeral service of Jonas Gwangwa is underway at the Christ King Anglican Church in Sophiatown. Due to the Covid-19 regulations that only allow 50 people to attend funerals, very few people have attended the service.
The Jazz legend has been honoured with a special provincial state funeral.
He died on Saturday 23 January, the day Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi died in 2018 and 2019.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the legend known for his hits, Morwa and Diphororo died on Friday 23 January on the anniversary of Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi’s deaths.
Taking to Twitter, the president wrote about how much Jonas contributed to the music industry. His cause of death hasn’t been announced yet.
“A giant of our revolutionary cultural movement and our democratic creative industries has been called to rest. The trombone that boomed with boldness and bravery, and equally warmed our hearts with mellow melody has lost its life force.#RIPJonasGwangwa,” he wrote.
“Jonas Gwanga ascends to our great orchestra of musical ancestors whose creative genius and dedication to the freedom of all South Africans inspired millions in our country and mobilised the international community against the apartheid system,” he continued.
The president said he prays that the jazz legend rests in peace.
“In our hour of mourning the loss of many precious lives around us, we pray also that the soul of Jonas Gwangwa will rest in peace,” he wrote.
Messages of condolences from his fans and fellow industry mates have been pouring all over social media.
A giant of our revolutionary cultural movement and our democratic creative industries has been called to rest; the trombone that boomed with boldness and bravery, and equally warmed our hearts with mellow melody has lost its life force.#RIPJonasGwangwa pic.twitter.com/hlg4PyKQl4
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) January 23, 2021