SA jazz bassist Spencer Mbadu dies

News about his death was shared by music professional Glenn Hilton Robertson with a picture of Mbadu holding a bass guitar and the caption, “Gone too soon.” The cause of death was still unknown at the time of publishing.

Following his death, musicians and creatives took to social media to pay tribute to Mbadu, a stalwart whose grooves underpinned many iconic jazz and fusion recordings.

“Sad news to hear of Spencer Mbadu’s passing,” composer and sound engineer Murray Anderson wrote. “I first recorded him in 1991 for Abdullah Ibrahim’s album Mantra Mode. He then came to the studio many times in the following years, including for the Nelson Mandela 46664 recordings (where the Queen members were all blown away by his playing, and invited him to play on the concert at the stadium), and for various jazz projects. He will be missed.”

Jazz vocalist and composer Ami Williams wrote: “So sad to hear the news of brother Spencer. Way back at the Green Dolphin, Ratunga Junction and many more we go. Rest softly Spencer Mbadu, you will be fondly remembered.”

Photographer and filmmaker Vuyo Giba said: “I consider it a blessing having been able to film and photograph Bra Spencer Mbadu. A very well-articulated and anally honest man. I watched him speak in pain and joy as he narrated the histories of his music contributions.”

Mbadu was born in Kensington, Cape Town, in 1955. His grandmother played the harp and piano at home, which spurred his interest in music. In 1972, he chose the bass as his instrument of choice after trying his hand at guitar, voice, drums and piano from the age of four. Despite never studying music formally, Kader Khan introduced him to sight-reading. He joined bands such as Siyabuya, Skyf, Spirits Rejoice and Fever, playing music from big band to pop.

He played with musicians such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Ntemi Piliso, Tony Cedras, Russell Herman, Ezra Ngcukana and Enoch Mthalane. Mbadu taught many musicians – informally – and also at institutions such as MAPP (Musical Action for People’s Power), The Jazz Workshop and Hout Bay schools. In 2013, he recorded for Mountain Records as part of the Cape Jazz Band.