Phillip Kakaza
Zimbabwean master drummer Jethro Shasha, well-known on the South African music scene, died at the age 46 last Sunday, having suffered for many years from diabetes.
He played with many top musicians, including Malian Salif Keita. He was due to do a live recording with pianist Paul Hamner this weekend. Touched by Shashas sudden death, Hanmer says there is no drummer who can replace him.
One of the songs in Hanmers album Abrete Sesamo (Open Sesame) will be dedicated to Shasha.
Jethro was a confident musician, a very positive one and most generous. He always wanted to play music with different musicians. I know he was also working on his own CD and he wanted me to be featured in it, says Hanmer.
Shasha was featured on Hanmers earlier CD, Trains To Taung.
Shashas death came as a shock to fellow Zimbabwean musician James Indi. He says they both came to this country on a cultural exchange with South African musicians in 1993.
He has been much loved by everyone who has played with him here and back home. He was out of this world, the best drummer I have ever known. He was innovative and played out of a passionate commitment to share his skills with everyone.
Last year Shasha, Indi and Louis Mhlanga worked together on an album, Musik ye Afrika.
He is survived by his wife Sheilla and a daughter.