RIP Suthukazi Arosi: Musician Dumza Maswana remembers the late legendary jazz musician

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday to honour South African modern jazz legend Suthukazi Arosi, who passed away last Thursday morning after battling stage four cancer.

For over 40 years, Arosi used her music and platform to promote African values, especially the philosophy of uBuntu — Motho ke Motho Ka Batho.

She is known for her hit song such as Unity, Africa Unite, Ubuntu, and Ingane Yabelungu. She worked with many artists, including the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, and Dumza Maswana. She was also an actress and appeared in several productions.

Remembering Suthukazi Arosi

In an exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM, South African musician Dumza Maswana, one of the artists who had the opportunity to collaborate with Suthukazi Arosi, reflects on their first meeting and his first impression of her.

“I met umama uSuthukazi in person in 2014, we were doing a Tribute To Victor Ntoni show and we had 40 days rehearsals. She was so loving, kind, motherly, and very strict when it came a to work,” said Dumza.

Memorable moments with Suthukazi Arosi

Dumza also shared some of his most unforgettable moments with Suthukazi and reflected on how she shaped his life, both musically and personally.

“One of the moments I remember was when I invited her to come perform with me at Joburg Theatre. I forgot that I was performing on stage, I just watched her doing her thing, and she came to me and grabbed by hand and “Cula kwedini” (meaning “sing young man”),” said Dumza.

Inspiration behind the collaborated song Sombawo

Dumza collaborated with Suthukazi on the song Sombawo. He shares the inspiration behind it and reflects on its significance following her passing.

“Sombawo is a prayer and I have listened to her song Somandla on her Ubuntu album and I knew she would kill it. She was a God loving woman, she sang from a place of knowing, she had depth, no one could have done better than her,” said Dumza.

What the world should remember about Suthukazi Arosi

As someone who knew Suthukazi well, Dumza reflects on her legacy and shares what he believes the world should remember most about her.

“Mam Suthukazi’s contribution was immense, she loved mentoring young artists, even though it was informal. She lived her life honestly and out of trouble. I take that from her life. She was an actor and a dancer and you saw all those when she was on stage. She’s a study, we need to really learn from her. She was also not shy to share about the issues we were dealing with in the industry, and that sometimes makes you a target to the powers that be, there’s no place for truthful people in our industry,” said Dumza.

Memorial service details

As on Tuesday its the memorial service of the legendary jazz musician, Dumza shares a message for those who loved and admired Suthukazi Arosi.

“Her memorial service is hosted by her family and I will also be in attendance. I pray that our people come out in numbers to celebrate her,” said Dumza.

The memorial service for the late Suthukazi Arosi will be held at The Ramolao Makhene Theatre@The Market Square, 138 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Newtown and the theme is traditional attire.

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