Collins Chabane

Ohm Collins Chabane (15 April 1960 – 15 March 2015) is widely remembered not only as a dedicated South African politician and public servant but also as a passionate musician, band leader and cultural ambassador whose love of music shaped much of his life beyond politics. Born in Xikundu Village in Limpopo Province, Chabane grew up in a family where music was part of everyday life, an influence that stayed with him throughout his life. 

Chabane’s musical journey deepened during his imprisonment on Robben Island from 1984 to 1990, where, amid the struggle for liberation, he found solace and expression through music. On the island he studied music theory and learned to play several instruments, including the harmonica and guitar, with fellow prisoners who shared their knowledge and passion for music. This period was formative, helping him refine his skills and affirm music as a lifelong pursuit alongside his political commitments. 

After his release from prison and return to civilian life, Chabane took his musical talents into the public sphere. In 1999 he met Zimbabwean mbira player Basil Mukombe, a connection that led to the creation of the marimba and mbira band called Movement. The group was rooted in a mission to integrate diverse Southern African musical cultures, including xiTsonga, tshiVenda and chiShona, and to showcase traditional instruments like the mbira (thumb piano), timbila (marimba) and hosho (shaker).

With Movement, Chabane played saxophone, harmonica and mbira, blending indigenous sounds with contemporary performance styles. The band recorded several albums, including Seke vs Xikundu and Xai‑Xai, which featured a mix of traditional music and cultural storytelling, and helped reignite interest in South African and regional musical heritage. 

Chabane and Movement performed not only locally but also in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, expanding their reach across borders and connecting audiences through shared cultural rhythms and traditions. His music was not a hobby but a bridge between cultures and histories, often performed alongside notable African musicians at events and honoured by music communities. 

In 2010, Chabane was celebrated by the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) for his unique contributions to indigenous music, a rare honour for someone better known in the public sphere for political leadership. At a gala event in Polokwane, he performed with his daughter and shared the stage with acclaimed South African artists, underscoring the respect he had earned within the music industry. 

Although politics was Chabane’s primary vocation, music remained a core part of his identity throughout his life. He used his platform to champion traditional instruments and encourage young musicians to explore and preserve cultural music forms. His work with Movement left a lasting imprint on South Africa’s cultural landscape, proving that music can be a powerful vehicle for unity, heritage and expression. 

Chabane’s dual legacy, as a national leader and as a musician deeply committed to cultural expression, continues to be celebrated through festivals and retrospectives that honour both his political and artistic contributions.