Jonas Gwangwa

Artist 1937–2021

Trombonist and composer from Orlando East in Soweto who played in the Jazz Epistles, went into exile, and for ten years led Amandla, the ANC's cultural ensemble, at Oliver Tambo's request. He wrote the score for Cry Freedom and was nominated at the 1988 Academy Awards. He came home in 1991 and died in 2021.

Connections

was active in

apartheid era (1980) he led the ANC's Amandla ensemble for ten years

is associated with

King Kong he completed the European tour of the production

was born in

Soweto (1937) Orlando East

worked with

Hugh Masekela from the Johannesburg scene of the 1950s onwards

was a member of

Jazz Epistles (1959) trombone

was taught by

Kippie Moeketsi SAHO says Gwangwa was mentored by him

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