Veteran musician Philip Tabane has died
Veteran jazz musician Philip Tabane has died aged 84, a close friend and family spokesperson has confirmed to TshisaLIVE.
The musician, who was best known for his hits Nkupi and Muvhango, died at the Mamelodi hospital in Pretoria on Friday morning. He was admitted to the hospital two days ago for an age-related illness.
"We were with him just yesterday evening. Doctors called this morning to ask the family to come and see him. It was a massive shock to all of us and the news is still quite fresh. We console ourselves with the knowledge that he was surrounded by family when he passed," Dr Sello Galane, the close friend, told TshisaLIVE.
He was born in Pretoria and at a young age formed the music trio The Malombo Jazz Men. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards in 1998.
Tabane was hailed as one of the best musicians in South Africa and still continued to perform, despite his age.
In the performance below, he was 75 years old when he took to the stage.
Fans have been taking to social media to pay tribute to the star.
Dr Philip Nchipi Tabane has passed... his legacy lives on, may his spirit soar and his soul rest in peace... pic.twitter.com/2LbBkB4kzV
— Nicky blumenfeld (@NickyB_kayafm) May 18, 2018
RIP Philip Tabane pic.twitter.com/0lb0dgB5Ku
— Loyiso Gola (@loyisogola) May 18, 2018
Sad news indeed of the passing of ♫♪ Ngaka Philip Tabane. My the elder`s soul rest in power.
— Rumbi Bakang (@Rumbidza0017) May 18, 2018
The art fraternity has lost yet another creative Dr of Music. Dr Phillip Tabane lost his life after a long illness. #PhillipTabane
— Aserie Ndlovu (@_aserie) May 18, 2018
#PhillipTabane
— #AlooterContinua✊ (@shandu009) May 18, 2018
Rest in power pic.twitter.com/DGE8KGI2oY
Yet again the music fratenity has long a legend Phillip Tabane#RIP LEGEND
— Thamie (@MarabaThami) May 18, 2018
Phillip Tabane 😭 pic.twitter.com/WObJIxSAvw
— Sphelele (@SpheDludla) May 18, 2018