Dorothy Masuka celebrated
LEGENDARY singer and composer Dorothy Masuka left an indelible mark on the lives of some of Mzansi’s iconic musicians like Abigail Kubheka, Jonas Gwangwa and Letta Mbulu.
Bidding farewell to Masuka, who preferred her last name to be called Masuku, artists at the memorial service on Friday went down memory lane, sharing their fondest memories with the Zimbabwean-born star.
“I am a great admirer of Sis D, not only because she was such a great performer and a fantastic performer, but because she was also a loving big sister to me and my husband.
“Sis D was the quintessential voice of African music, an original singer who when she sang, you knew she was African through and through,” said Mbulu, adding that Masuka never tried to be anyone else, except who she was.
“The first time I heard Sis D’s voice was on Bantu Radio. The song was a blues type, slow jam African township song and boy did she sing it! When the song was over and the (radio) voice announced Dorothy Masuka as the singer, I was conquered and became an instant lifetime fan to this very day.”
Mbulu also reminisced how in 1958, she had the chance to watch Masuka perform live as one of the headline artists in the African jazz and variety show, alongside other greats like Miriam Makeba, Dolly Rathebe, The Woodpecker, and Thandi Klassen.
“I still remember when she was wearing that white dress, tight all over and you could see the body. After her performance, I was inspired. I was convinced that if I ever want to sing as a professional, I would definitely want to sing like her. One of the most important things about Sis D that many people didn’t know is that although she was a fantastic singer, she was also a formidable and gifted songwriter,” said Mbulu.
Masuka was songs such as and a song she composed and recorded years before Miriam Makeba gave it a go. The legend was also banished from South Africa for 31 years alongside other musicians who used their talents to challenge the unjust political system of apartheid.
“She was a true Pan Africanist, she’s always been a one of a kind singer, songwriter and a revolutionary,” said Mbulu. Although in 2011, Masuka and Mfundi Vundla were in talks of creating a film around her life, the star died without seeing this dream fulfilled.
Celebrated African singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo also sent through her condolences saying, “In the world of music, Dorothy Masuka was a very creative force and a talent to be reckoned with”.
“She left with us so many great and meaningful songs, as a legacy for us now and the generations to come. “You will be missed my dear sister. “May you rest in peace among the singing angels.”
Masuka will be laid to rest at the Westpark Cemetery today after the funeral service at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus. responsible for hit