Musicians to pay tribute to great Sithole

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday September 4, 2008 00:00

Sithole, 56, died last week in Zimbabwe after A short illness. 
Satchmo's, in conjunction with Street Horn Promotions and the local artistes, are putting up the show to raise funds to assist Bee's family. 

The artistes, who have confirmed their participation are Socca Moruakgomo, Lister Boleseng, Nono Siile, Brand New Vibe band, Calvin Kaluza, Citie Seetso, Punah Gabasiane, Shanti-Lo, Malombo Mmereki and jazzman DJ SK of Duma FM. 

Sithole was born in 1952 and attended Lotshe Primary School before transferring to Mzilikazi Upper Primary School. 

He started his music when he was at primary school, where he was taught by one of the piano maestros, the late MNB Chiradza. 

Sithole attended his secondary education at Mgandae, which is now called Mzilikazi High School.  He was playing music even then with another great guitarist Bra Zakes Gwaze, of the local group, Abraxas. 

After his secondary education, he moved to the then capital city Salisbury, now called Harare, where it was all happening in terms of nightlife.  

In Salisbury he joined a band called the Big Four, with the likes of the late Eric Juba, who was a well-known figure in Botswana. 

They then moved to the tourist town of Victoria Falls where they played at the Elephant Hills Hotel. 

He met his wife in Victoria Falls and they married in 1972.  While he was in Vic Falls, he also met popular Zimbabwean musician Lovemore Majayivana in 1984. 

In 1987 they went on a tour of Europe where he shared the stage with Salif Keita and many other big bands.  In 1996 they formed a band called Jacaranda Jazz Cats and had a contract at Cresta Hotel in Bulawayo. 

The following year, they moved to Amakhosi Cultural Centre and met with the likes of Handsome Mabhiza, who played with Steve Dyers' band, Southern Freeway. 

Sithole then crossed into Botswana with the Jacaranda band and became the resident band at the defunct Dukes jazz club in the African Mall. 

They later became the resident band at Club XXXL in Francistown.  Sithole, who was also a member of Socca Moruakgomo's band, played for Unity band, Urban Brew band, and the Gem band.  

He featured in Gabasiane's new album as well.
In 2003 and 2004, he went on a tour of France with a Bulawayo group, Cool Crooners. 
On their return he joined Submareen band.

The 'old man of jazz' is survived by his wife, four children and girls and four grand children.

Meanwhile, Gabasiane will be perform at Monageng's jazz joint in Lobatse on Sunday.  It will be her first show in the town.