“He taught me the foundation of music” Says Zakes Bantwini On The Late Theo Bophela

SA has lost a Legendary Jazz musician Theo Bophela who died in his home in Durban, Inanda few days back. His death was confirmed by his sons Scelo and Bongani Bophela who mentioned in a statement issued by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) on Tuesday. The jazz veteran died of a longterm illness not specified on Monday last week at the age of 86.

Zakes Bantwini spoke of how saddened he was by the the passing of his mentor.”Baba Theo is the first person who taught me a piano, he taught me the foundation of music and musical notes. He was my first teacher and when I heard about his passing I realised that he had a lot of wisdom to share with artists. Music in the future will never be the same without him,” says Zakes.

The singer explained how he teh jazz muso taught him how he could sing the same way he did.”He was showing me how to play a certain song at the piano and said he would be proud if I could play the song the same way he did. Two years later, I played him that song exactly how he played it to me. He was very emotional and proud of me,” he added.