04 May 2023

A tribute concert will be held in remembrance of the late traditional song and dance giant Gong Master at Mogoditshane’s Millennium Jazz Restaurant tomorrow. 

The concert will feature his son Tawana ya Koma and mostly traditional song and dance artistes, a genre that Gong Master contributed immensely to. 

Traditional groups such as Makwakwa, Machesa, Dikakapa and Ditiro will also join others on stage to celebrate their traditional song master. 

Punah Gabasiane and Ashely Gops will also be part of the concert. 

“Gong Master should be remembered as an ambassador of culture, and this concert is befitting as men and women of song will be on one stage to celebrate him,” said music promoter Zenzele Hirschfeld. 

She noted that the nation should ensure that Gong Master’s legacy was archived and treasured. 

“His musical content needs to be documented for the next generation so that they experience and learn from his rare talent,” she said. 

Remembering his brilliant performance, Hirschfeld said Gong Master commanded authority and influence whenever he performed. 

She said he was one of the many traditional song and dance advocates who was committed to growing the genre in this country and beyond borders. 

His influence and inspiration rubbed on his son, Tawana ya Koma and Hirschfeld said it was humbling to witness that. 

“It goes to show that sometimes young artistes need not go far for role models and mentors, as evidenced by Gong Master’s son, who followed in his father’s footsteps,” Hirschfeld said. 

Meanwhile, a memorial service for Gong Master will take place in the afternoon May 11 at Molapo Piazza. 

Attendants are urged to wear all black at the memorial service to honour the fallen giant, who died April 27. 

Born Mponang Ketshabile,   Gong Master will be laid to rest at his home village, Digawana May 13. End