Inside jazz musician Philip Tabane’s last moments

Philip Tabane's family are still reeling in shock and sadness after the veteran's death on Friday morning but are grateful that they got to spend the star's last moments with him.

Philip, known for his hits such as Nkupi and Muvhango, died at the Mamelodi hospital in Pretoria on Friday morning after being admitted to the hospital two days earlier for an age-related illness.  

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Philip's close friend Dr Sello Galane said the star spent one of his last moments with his son listening to his music.

"We were there with him the night before he passed. His son and I were the last to see him and leave that night. We listened to some of his latest albums. He was really chuffed with himself and what he had accomplished as an artist. He was proud of his work and was beaming. We didn't know that it would be the last time we would see him properly."  

He said that Philip was confident of making a full recovery and had spoken about his plans for more music. However, the star's health deteriorated rapidly overnight and the next thing Sello knew, he and Philip's family were being called to go to the hospital quickly.

"Doctors phoned us and told us that we should come. He wasn't really conscious and he passed away while we were there, surrounding him. It was difficult and very sudden."

He said that Philip played guitar up until the time of his death and would often encourage his son, who is also a musician.

Philip was born in Pretoria and spent much of his life in Mamelodi. His funeral will be held in the area this Saturday.