Ali Katt was Mzansi’s own TP
His unique, husky voice will be missed
Born: March 7 1958
Died: July 12 Funeral: Tomorrow at Sam Hlalele Hall in Teanong Section, Tembisa, from 9am
Burial: At Heroes Acre at Mooifontein Cemetery
Legendary singer Ali Katt who died last week was regarded as the TP of Mzansi because of his unique voice.
Born Albert Moroatshetlha, the former disco music star died at Tembisa Hospital after problems with high blood pressure. He had been admitted two weeks ago. His health problems began when he suffered a stroke four years ago.
Seasoned singer Condry Ziqubu, who worked with Katt for many years, said he was a funny and jolly person.
Ziqubu said they would miss Katt’s unique and husky voice, which was similar to that of late American soul and R&B star Teddy Pendergrass (AKA TP).
“I met Ali in 1984 when I was looking for a backing vocalist. He was vocally talented. I toured the world with him until he decided to go solo.
“We are going to miss his voice, especially when handling ballads. He loved to perform TP’s cover versions, he was our own TP.”
Jacky Mathala, a manager and friend, said Katt loved music so much that he was still performing while on his wheelchair.
“Ali’s heart and mind were into singing even though the body was frail. After he suffered from stroke, he was still in demand in Botswana. I refused [to allow him to go to Botswana] because I realised that his body would not handle the travelling. But he wanted to go and perform for his fans.”
Katt was born in Alexandra township but his parents relocated to nearby Tembisa when he was young. When he started pursuing his music career, he sang for groups such as Stop Pushing (with Thami Mdluli), Message and the Minerals.
When he pursued his solo career, he released albums such as Killer and Have Mercy. Though he has not released music since the late 1990s, Katt recorded songs between 2007 and 2011 that have not yet been officially released.
If Katt was not performing, he made his living through voice-overs and jingles.