One of South African’s most renowned female jazz musicians, Grace Senne has passed away, SABC radio news reported on Wednesday. Grace Senne, the co-founder of the African Maroon Women’s Jazz band died in Johannesburg. Mama Grace, as she was affectionately known, founded the country’s first female jazz band. She was one of the few women active in theatre during the era of Gibson Kente. An accomplished playwright, Senne wrote and produced plays such as Nomalanga, a children’s play, Mzumba and Mosako which received critical acclaim in Israel. Senne’s film career highlights included King Solomon’s Mines. – Sapa