Gone too soon, but Bossorito’s Afrojazz, soul melodies live on
Friends gather to pay tribute to beloved Komani musician
Bossorito Sana’s musical life and legacy was celebrated in style when local musicians, family, and friends paid a vibrant tribute to Komani’s beloved Afrojazz and soul musician at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Complex on Friday.
It was a bittersweet, memorable collaboration from those who revered and loved him.
Bossorito died on March 9 2024 aged 50, after a brief illness. He was laid to rest in Mlungisi last Saturday.
His cousin, Zithulele Sana, shared about how Bossorito’s musical talent was inherited from his musician father, who played with renowned artists such as Stompi Mavi.
Bossorito grew up loving music, with the guitar being his favourite instrument.
His career officially began when he joined the Krugers, in the 1990s.
“What made him popular in Komani was that he sang exactly like Mavi.
“His style drew many people to appreciate his talent.
“He recorded three albums, which helped him become popular in the local community,” Sana said.
He said Bossorito was invited by the department of sports, recreation, arts & culture to perform Mavi’s song at his funeral.
“He was promised a lot of assistance by the department which never happened.”
Bossorito’s funeral ceremony included musical performances by young people who had been influenced by his life and music.
Sana said Bossorito worked with young musicians aged 12 and 14, contributing to their musical education.
This was one of his selfless activities that added to his popularity.
He described Bossorito as selfmotivated and hard-working, who worked tirelessly to be an independent entrepreneur.
“He was a straightforward and honest person, who could put together a compelling argument.”
Sana said the family was hurt by some political figures who resisted the family’s efforts to use the Indoor Sports Centre for the memorial service.
He felt Bosorito’s political activism in Komani — he contributed to Komani civic organisation campaigns but never made enemies.
Bossorito’s childhood friend Simphiwe Kapa said after completing matric in Kwa-Komani in 1991, Bossorito’s music began to develop at a quick pace.
“In 1992, Bossorito acquired both an acoustic and an electric guitar. He took the lead guitar while his friend, Mthetho, played the bass. During his early years as an artist, when he was still developing his vocal abilities, we used to hang out at Bra Xolani Malotana’s house in the township.
“We’d spend time together and listen to music,”Kapa said.
This was a significant step in his musical journey, a time when he honed his skills and developed his sound.
“Imenemene le bedengu, which was written by Vuyani Khaphu and Bra Xolela Sopitsho, and Imonti Limphethe
became singles that Bossorito recorded at the time he was beginning to grow as a music artist,” Kapa said.
Bossorito moved to Johannesburg and returned with an album containing many songs.
His first album, Nomampondo,
which he recorded with local musician Mandla Malotana, a legendary figure in the music industry, he said.
Bossorito worked with other famous artists like Pat Matshikiza, and this experience helped him gain the skills and knowledge he needed to reach his full potential as a musician.