Please Donate – Let’s Support a Living Legend of African Music

Please Donate – Let’s Support a Living Legend of African Music

World renowned guitarist, Dr Muziwakhe Madala Kunene – who was honoured with an honorary doctorate at a University of KwaZulu-Natal 2023 graduation ceremony – is currently experiencing critical health issues and needs some medical attention.

At the age of seven, Kunene began busking on the beach in Durban. He quickly gained popularity as a musician in the townships after building his first guitar out of a cooking oil can and fish gut for the strings.

A significant showcase performance at this year’s WOMEX in Manchester, which is a fantastic chance for him to support his family and make a living, will be negatively impacted by his placement on an eight-month waiting list for surgery, including some in-person concerts.

Consequently, the community has united to request your help so that Madala can bypass the waiting list and get surgery at a private hospital. Madala will get all campaign earnings, which will help him with his living expenses, nutritious food, and medical bills.

Beyond the admiration of his deft guitar and compositional skills, anybody who has heard his music – live or on record – would concur that the experience is also meaningful and uplifting. Known as “Bafo” (brother in IsiZulu), Madala is regarded as a “spiritual healer in music” and a “true African bluesman.”

Those who have had the pleasure of meeting Madala Kunene would surely bear witness to the gifts he offers, as he has affected our lives in a multitude of ways, both personally and professionally.

A website has recently been created which tributes the journey of this South African star! It serves as an informative and soulful testimony and an amazing experience which you are urged to visit. Click here to contribute.

Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied