WeeklySA_AdminNIMBLE FINGERS:Been ill for some time going in and out of hospital
By Gugu Sibiya
One of the country’s most prolific guitarist Lawrence Matshiza (60), passed away at the Livingstone hospital in Port Elizabeth last week.
Although he went about his daily activities and music as normal as possible, the nimble-fingered guitarist had been sick for a long time. The Gqeberha-born muso was passionate about enriching whatever project that crossed his path .
Publicist guru and friend from Mahambehlala Comunications, Thembi Mahambehlala who’s Lawrence’s homie, says she’s shattered. “We grew up together in showbiz, him as a guitarist while I’m a publicist. We traveled and had so many wonderful experiences together all over the world. His last show in December was in my event at The Ebubeleni music festival in Gqeberha. We even spoke about how we’d done our bit in this business here in Joburg.
“We were ready to go back home to plough back to our community. Lawrence left in 2013 and really lived up to his intentions. He was making headway grooming future musicians.
“I remember at my last event how sick he was. He played as beautifully as ever although he was sitting down. We were appreciative because we wanted that sound only he could deliver.
“He was a one of a kind genius with his unique touch. So much that even overseas acts who booked local bands, always insisted on having him on board. If ever there was a major loss, this is it” she says sobbing inconsolably.
A background person who shied away from the spotlight, He always let his guitar speak for him. Among luminaries he strummed for were Gregory Porter, Miriam Makeba, Ray Parker jnr, Incognito, Hugh M asekela, Cindy Lauper, Moses Taiwa Molelekoa, Sibongile Khumalo, Sipho Gumede, Letta Mbulu, McCoy Mrubata, Harry Belafonte, Siphokazi, John Legend, Peabo Bryson, Caiphas Semenya and toured with Keiko Matsui in the Netherlands.
Elder brother Themba recalls fondly how they called each other Tshista. He was a loving, caring person who never glossed over anything wrong.
“I was his greatest fan. When the music bug bit him, I was already collecting jazz albums he intensely listened to. He joined a local band called the Afro Teens. His break came when Mncedisi Mkhize who was in Gibson Kente’s cast introduced him to the legend. A Kente on tour recruited him as a stand-in guitarist” he says about a brother who was also a guest music lecturer at Damelin in Gqeberh.
“Tshista didn’t stay with Kente. Joburg was brimming with opportunitiess, he hooked up with Spirits Rejoice. My brother was more about writing, producing and directing music. He did that successfully on a lot of award-winning offerings. I will miss the times when we’d all be hanging out at home. We’d be in stitches from the jokes he cracked against the backdrop of beautiful music.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, one boy and two girls, a brother and a sister and two grandchildren. He will be buried on Saturday, in Port Elizabeth.
CDs composed/produced
Victor Ntoni – Hheritage
Co-produced Ensemble with Ntoni
• Judith Sephuma – New Beginnings.
• Hugh Masekela – Hope.
• Moses Molelekoa – Genes & Spirits.
• Ringo Madlingozi – Sondelani & Vukani.
BANDS:
• Dondo.
• Spirits Rejoice.
• Hugh Masekela Band.
Directed:
• Patti Austin Band.
• Mzansi Sings a Tribute to OR Tambo.
• 60 Piece Ensemble Band.
