The elephant that followed the howl of the Coyote :: Mmegi Online

Five years since the passing of Nana Coyote, Stimela’s lead singer, the band has finally found the ‘missing chord’ to fill in the void left by its late vocalist. His was a distinct and rapturous voice that made the classics South Africa’s soundtrack during the brutal freedom struggle, Mmegi Staffer THALEFANG CHARLES speaks to the one filling his shoes

When the news of Stimela’s lead singer Nana Coyote’s passing broke out, coincidentally the Arts & Culture team was getting into a meeting with the directors of Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). The directors, Rashid Lombard and Billy Domingo, were at the old offices Mmegi in Maruapula.

It was a cold Tuesday morning of July 6, 2010 and the two jazz promoters from espAfrika were in the country to assess the viability of organising a jazz festival in Gaborone. It was to see if they could host one similar to their most successful event in Cape Town, now dubbed Africa’s Grandest Gathering. Before the meeting could delve into the festival proposals the Arts&Culture team delivered the sad news of Coyote’s passing to the enterprising jazz promoters.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.