Diphororo (Waterfall) - Jonas Gwangwa

"Music is life" - Dr Jonas Gwangwa on the iStart2 show (21 October 2013).

 Dr Jonas Gwangwa starts 2!

Dr Jonas Gwangwa was born in Orlando East in Soweto almost exactly 76 years ago. As a young man he electrified the famous Sophiatown music scene. He left the country in 1961  after touring with the musical KING KONG. He ventured to the United States to further his education at New York’s prestigious Manhattan School of Music and worked under the patronage of musical legend Harry Belafonte. Later Jonas joined forces with George Fenton to create the original score and theme song for the much heralded Richard Attenborough film, "Cry Freedom". The score achieved Oscar, Grammy Bafta, Golden Globe and Anthony Asquith award nominations and won Ivor Novello and Black Emmy Awards.

One of the many highlights of his career was performing at the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute concert in Wembley Stadium and to see Mr Mandela become the first President of a free South Africa. His lifework crystallised when he served as composer, arranger and musical director of "Amandla", the much acclaimed worldwide ANC cultural ensemble tour to which he devoted ten years of his life.

Jonas Gwangwa is a very humble man. He cares deeply about his family, indigenous music,  our country and the future sustainability of musicians and artists. It is indeed a great privilege to honour one of the greatest sons of Africa as an icon of the iStart2 Movement.

To listen to the interview with Dr Jonas Gwangwa and his songs Cry Freedom and Diphororo, just click play:



Thought for the day:
"In time, we shall be in a position to bestow on South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face" - Steve Biko

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.