SA composer Mthandeni Mvelase dies

According to local music professional and producer Sipho Sithole, Mvelase died on his way to a hospital in Durban on 21 July after experiencing breathing difficulties.

Mvelase worked with a number of artists and producers including Sithole, Jabu Khanyile, Khululiwe Sithole, Lindelani Mkhize, Faca Kulu, Shabalala Rhythms, Themba Mkhize, Sibongile Khumalo and Zulu Boy.

In 2018, he won a Grammy Award for producing Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s album Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration.

“Mthandeni was one versatile musician who in the middle of a recording would jump from playing keys to drums and bass guitar while singing melodic guide vocals as if just trouble shooting and yet that would be the ultimate recording,” Sithole told Music In Africa.

“His composition was unparalleled, and with a sharp ear if anyone happened to be off-key or flat. What a pity that he was still struggling after all these years of personal accomplishment and being the most sought-after musician, director and producer. I will personally miss him and his permanent smile – never angry.”

South African poet, filmmaker and producer Duma Ndlovu wrote on social media: “As his body lies in a cold hospital slab, we will come together as his friends and find a way to give him a decent send-off. It’s the least we can do for a man who gave his life to creating some of the most memorable music this country has had, and remained in the shadows and background all his life.”

Mvelase carved his music career in Durban’s Umlazi township with a band called The Goings alongside drummer Lindelani Mkhize and guitarist Sandile Dlamini. He gained fame when he joined Mbongeni Ngema’s musical Township Fever.

He was also instrumental in directing celebrated stage productions including the Bambatha Rebellion musical and worked on Duma Ndlovu’s reinterpretation of the late Gibson Kente’s play How Long? Mvelase also composed music for a number of local TV shows including Muvhango, Imbewu, Uzalo, Soul City and Ingozi.