East Jazz legend passes away
Abraham Tsoana Kola is survived by his wife Caroline and four children.
Mamelodi jazz legend Abraham Tsoana Kola died after a long battle with stomach cancer on Tuesday.
He was 58 years old when he died at Steve Biko hospital, where he was admitted two weeks ago.
He is survived by his wife of many years Caroline and four children.
Bra Kola was known in and around Mamelodi for his Jazz Band club, which featured all his four children.
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Caroline described her husband as a loving person who was always willing to help others.
“My husband was a straight talker and was loved by everyone,” she said.
“He has helped many people in the community of Mamelodi and Nellmapius.”
She said they met in the 1980s thanks to their shared interest in music.
She said Kola wanted to play for jazz legend Phillip Tabane, but Tabane believed their style of music differed too much and suggested instead that Kola start his own band.
Kola heeded Tabane’s advice and formed the Kola jazz band, featuring his four children as members, in 2015.
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Kola played the tenor saxophone as well as the flute.
Family friend Oneboy Molokomme said South Africa has lost a legend in the music industry.
“He was a very quiet person who would not talk too much,” said Molokomme. “The only way he would express himself was through his lovely jazz music.”
Kola’s son, Neo, said they will continue playing music to honour their father because that was “what he would like them to do”.
A memorial service for Kola will be held at Mamelodi Community Hall on 8 November from 10:00. He will be buried on Saturday at Mamelodi West cemetery.
A service will also be held at Mamelodi West Section D1 at Mapika’s tavern. It will start at 07:00 and proceed to the cemetery at 09:00.
For more information, Oneboy Molokomme can be contacted at 072-509-9178.
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