SA music star Jabu Khanyile dies

By Nadia Samie
13 Novermber 2006

Award winning Afro-Jazz singer and songwriter Jabu Khanyile has died in Johannesburg aged 49-years.

Khanyile succumbed to prostate cancer just after 12-o-clock on Sunday morning. He was diagnosed last year. He had been receiving radiation therapy since June, and was also receiving treatment for diabetes.

Khanyile was the 1996 winner of the Kora Best South African Artist award.

Cosatu has paid tribute to the pioneering musician, saying that workers have lost a friend and an ally who spoke for all of South Africa’s people. Cosatu says in a statement that Khanyile’s art was relevant to the daily struggles of the people. Through his music, he related to the lives and concerns of the majority of the people and he understood that culture was a powerful weapon in the struggle against apartheid.

The trade union federation added that he was the best possible ambassador for ubuntu.

Khanyile leaves behind his wives Phindy Dlamini and Khululiwe Sithole and seven children. He will be buried in Johannesburg on Friday.