Last note for Johnny Mekoa
Mourners hail Mekoa’s passion for the youth
Beautiful African jazz notes filled the crisp winter morning air as friends, family and the music industry sent jazz maestro Johnny Mekoa to his final resting place in Benoni yesterday.
The funeral service for the respected composer, trumpeter and teacher who died last Monday was held at the Music Academy of Gauteng, the institution he founded to share his genius with youth.
His students belted a musical for the likable mentor who was also known as Mababa. The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department choir added to the musical sendoff of the jazz giant who died aged 72.
Also in attendance were music veterans such as Caiphus Semenya, Khaya Mahlangu, Sipho Mabuse, Jonas Gwangwa, Don Laka, poet Don Mattera and Gauteng arts MEC Faith Mazibuko.
His daughter Malebo Mekoa said: “We are torn by the loss of our father. He was everything to us, and has left a big void in our lives.
“You are the link to our chain, a great example to us because you never took sides. Your teachings will always be at the centre of our lives.”
Semenya, who knew Mekoa from their younger days, eulogised him: “Most of us, we want to be stars and don’t care about others. But Mababa was very passionate about youth development. He did everything for the children. I wish to see the schools continue.”
Advocate Lentswe Mokgatle told mourners: “I want to focus on women in his life like his wife. When he was pushing the dream of the school, he relied on his wife. His wife had to work as a nurse for eight years in Britain to raise the funds.”
Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina said: “Bra Johnny has set the bar very high for us. He had a passion for music and valued education. This is one of the important seeds that we need to instill in our people.”
Mekoa was buried at Crystal Park’s Lala Ngoxolo Cemetery.