TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR PINKIE MTSHALI
Left an indelible mark on the theatre scene
THE ARTS, music and faith communities mourn the loss of the effervescent and gracious Pinkie Mtshali who passed away this week from heart complications.
Pinkie sang opera, blues, popular and sacred music, and was also a gifted mentor and leader. She studied psychology and counselling, which made her well placed to guide young people and support her fellow musicians.
An independent performer and administrator, she trained at the then Natal Technikon and sang with the Napac opera singers. She headed the all-women Durban Divas and served on the Durban Music School.
She was co-director of the Durban Blues Festival and was music director at Emmanuel Cathedral. Originally from umlazi, she has worked around the country and performed in a myriad opera and musical productions, cabarets, functions and church events over the years.
She has won a slew of awards and accolades and was also well known for her fabulous dress sense and fashion style.
Most recently, she created an information sharing and support group for fellow performers affected by Covid-19. Social media is awash with memories and messages from her friends and associates, reminding us that Pinkie made everybody she met feel special and important.
Below is a tribute by fellow music director and friend Melvin Peters:
Pinkie Mtshali and I enjoyed a long association which started in the early nineties. I was privileged to have worked with her on several occasions in various contexts. It was always such a joy to share the stage with her because her energy, passion and love for music was palpable and indeed infectious. She breathed new life into every performance, and never failed to acknowledge the efforts of her fellow artists. She had a strong work ethic and was regarded by her peers as being a consummate professional.
Her forte was, perhaps, the fact that she was so versatile. Having emerged from an operatic background, she later explored other genres, including jazz and gospel. She was respected for her tenacity and integrity, which were manifested in her artistic endeavours. Pinkie was unwavering in her commitment to the pursuit of excellence. On stage, she acquitted herself with aplomb and endeared herself to audiences around the country and beyond.
As a performer, she invariably rose to the occasion whether singing or acting. Perhaps the phrase “All the world’s a stage” is an apt description of her career, because she relished every opportunity to share her feelings with people in her own inimitable, charming way. She became known as one of Durban’s ‘divas’. Nevertheless, she left an indelible mark on the theatre and music scene in South Africa. She received huge acclaim from various sectors in the arts arena, and was honoured with several awards and accolades in recognition of her immense contribution.
In retrospect, what stands out is the fact that she was prepared to share her talent and knowledge with others. She was concerned about perpetuating music in our city, and therefore, decided to mentor aspiring young singers. Apart from nurturing their talents, she organised performance opportunities as well. In this regard, the group known as the “Durban Divas” was created as a result of her vision to empower singers who showed promise and potential.
Pinkie was also a person of great faith who served God and the church with distinction. This was evident in her work as the Music Director at Emmanuel Cathedral. She took great pride in training choristers and church musicians to play their part in their respective churches.
Her input as an educator and adviser at the Durban Music School has been invaluable. She was a fearless community activist who campaigned vociferously for the rights of the marginalised and disadvantaged. She became fairly active in the Diakonia Council of Churches and also served on the planning committee of the annual Durban International Blues Festival.
Pinkie will be remembered as a great friend and humanitarian. Her exemplary life, which necessitated having to overcome many personal challenges, should be applauded. Her death leaves a huge void in the arts industry. Her wonderful legacy will no doubt be perpetuated for years to come. She will be sorely missed by her friends, musicians and adoring fans. Farewell my dearest friend! I salute you!