But the memory of the young man refuses to die — in spirit he continues to direct the development of local music, particularly jazz.
The Moses Taiwa Molelekwa Arts Foundation, which is headed by his father Jerry, honours Molelekwa’s contribution to innovation.
The foundation will, in conjunction with Standard Bank, host an extraordinary concert at Caesars Gauteng on November 1.
The media release for the event states that “the main objective of the [foundation] is to take music and arts to previously disadvantaged areas focusing on children and the youth. It aims to achieve its objective by raising funds that will be used to host training lessons, buying music equipment and organising music development workshops in these areas.”
Jerry Molelekwa, whom the people of Thembisa on Johannesburg’s East Rand call “Bra Monk” — after the American pianist Thelonious Monk — sees the gig as an opportunity to pursue development ideas his boy would have appreciated.
The show will feature the likes of Bheki Mseleku on three instruments — piano, saxophone and guitar. Also billed are Jimmy Dludlu, Pops Mohammed, Hotep Idris Galeta, Sylvester Mazinyane, Victor Masondo, Jimmy Mgwandi, Mlungisi Gegana, Nkanyezi Cele, Kesivan Naidoo and Ngwako Manamela.
The sponsors say the artists will collaborate in two sets that will include sentimental standards as well as more than 20 tracks in honour of the late Moses Molelekwa.
Jerry Molelekwa says he had hinted at the concept of such a collaboration to the late guitarist Alan Kwela who quashed the idea: “[Kwela] said that kind of collaboration was not possible because they did not play the same type of music. But when you look at the Americans you will notice some of the collaborations they have done.”
With a billing that includes seasoned artists like Mseleku and Galeta, one wonders at the presence of a newcomer like pianist Mazinyane?
“Sylvester has the stuff that interests me a lot. I like what he is doing, his dexterity and preparedness to take the bull by the horns,” Molelekwa says.
“The driving point of this project has been that the musicians are keen to be part of it. Except for one or two, none of them has asked, ‘What is in it for me?’
“It is moving away from doing something for people only when they die, like playing at a funeral. When you bury someone you are not investing.”
For Moses it would have been heartening to know that his peers are actively keeping his name alive. Indeed his contribution didn’t end at his funeral.
Moses, the beloved, tragic son of Thembisa, continues to touch locals who are not necessarily music experts. Some of the proceeds raised from the concert will be donated to the Thembisa Child Welfare and Thembisa Selfhelp Association.
Acoustic Night at the Palace takes place at Caesars Gauteng on November 1 at 7pm. Tickets cost R150