Legendary SA musician with medical dilemma
Dr Madala Kunene, legendary musician known for his African blues, is in dire need of donations to afford surgery to help him heal from a health issue that has affected his ability to work or perform.
DURBAN’S world-renowned guitarist Dr Muziwakhe Madala Kunene has made a desperate plea for donations as he faces critical healthcare issues that require medical attention. The musician is set to perform at this year’s WOMEX event in Manchester but says his current medical issues will hinder him from going overseas if he does not undergo the surgery that he needs. He has been placed on an eight-month-long waiting list to undergo surgery at a government hospital.
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Kunene, who began playing the guitar at the tender age of seven, was honoured with an honorary doctorate by the University of KwaZulu-Natal at their 2023 graduation. The UKZN community has rallied behind him in seeking donations and assistance for his medical needs so he can go to a private hospital to receive the necessary surgery that he needs to put his life back on track. Affectionately known as ‘bafo’, a Zulu word for ‘brother’, those who have heard his music have dubbed him as a ‘spiritual music healer’ and a ‘true African bluesman’.
A website has been created for all those who wish to follow the musician’s journey or wish to make contributions to his medical needs. Guy Buttery, who created the website, said, “Our beloved Madala Kunene is currently experiencing critical health issues and needs some medical attention. Without the attention, his condition is severely limiting his work capacity. He was recently hospitalised, and while we are thankful that he is back home, he requires ongoing and long-term treatment. Madala has been put on an eight-month waiting list for surgery which will sadly impact his concert appearances as well as his upcoming European touring schedule.”
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The 73-year old’s music has featured in films such as Yesterday, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best International Film, and also in Giraffes Don’t Do It Any Differently – a film about fathers and family. He has over 20 albums in his music catalogue and has, over the years, collaborated with the likes of the late Busi Mhlongo and Flora Purim, a Brazilian Jazz singer.
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