When time is not miserly; and everything seems to drag; and the past flashes in stills of nostalgic black and white evoking great longing for warmer days gone by; I find myself longing for Bra Zim Ngqawana's soothing horn. I also long for his flute which whispers poignantly like his horn does.
Bra Zim Ngqawana, what an immaculate and eloquent voice you are. I will eulogise you while you are alive, dreading to become a cliché in paying homage only when you breathe your last as trends have developed of icons demise’s.
I first encountered Zimology, and then Zimphonic Suites and then Vadzimu which chants in melancholic dialect. My very initial encounter with your music was a casual and leisurely one facilitated by Bra Ike Phaahla during his days at Metro FM. I was heavy into Moses Molelekwa, Jimmy Dludlu and other greats which the media then branded Young Lions of Jazz, and perhaps obliviously, dismissed your sound as too mature for my ears. How wrong of me; call it immaturity.
But now, now I’m digging you like an old soul record as Meshell Ndegeocello had declared in her one album.
Young people should listen to your music; they should be taught of your mastery and astonishing talent. The work of your horn has touched me greatly and your song Unamaqhinga Na reverberates in my ears filling me with pleasant thoughts while I muse about how treacherous the music industry seems.
If you don't get to read this blog, may those who know you tell you of these words: You are phenomenally gifted and extremely creative Bawo!
© Deon Simphiwe Skade
23 Dec 09
