Tributes are pouring in for the late arts practitioner, Mzwakhe Sticks Mdidimba, who passed away on Monday after succumbing to a battle with diabetes.
Revered bassist, composer and arranger, Herbie Tsoaeli, said he was saddened to hear of Mdidimba’s passing. “This is terrible news but we will always remember Sticks for his contribution to music and arts at large,” he said.
In a moving tribute, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s public relations officer Luvuyo Kakaza said Sticks had traveled a long road.
He reminisced about the days Mdidimba used makeshift stage with self-made props at the old farm house in Nyanga Arts Centre. Â
“He was instrumental in the formation of traditional dance and theatre groups and worked in all communities. At one stage New Africa in Observatory was his base. From time to time I saw him sing in the Langa Adult Choir,” said Mr Kakaza.
“Our paths diverted when I went to the world of journalism up in Jozi. After ten years of no contact and back to my hometown, there he was in the arts management of Artscape and later I saw him more often as we became colleagues in the same building,” he said.
Mr Kakaza said Mr Mdidimba was passionate about the arts; all forms; be it theatre, dance or music. “He loved jazz and had built a wonderful collection, his advice on diverse issues in the arts will be dearly missed,” Mr Kakaza concluded.
The managing director of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Foundation Andre Le Roux passed condolences to the Mdidimba family.
“Many year’s ago we started a short lived theatre company together… I think it was 1993. Together with Itumeleng Wa-Lehulere and Euodia Samson, and a couple of others whom I can’t remember. It was Buwa Theatre Company, housed at the Baxter Theater. I think at the time you were still working with streets and I remember the best shisa nyama we had at his place, the books and the jazz shared. The visions for the arts, culture, cultural policy and theatre. We also did that play on community policing for the Community Peace Foundation with the band comprising Musa Manzini, Clement Benny, Nhlanhla Magagula and a couple of others. Rest peacefully and hopefully the jazz is good in a club called heaven,” said Mr Le Roux.
Phola Phodiso said it was with great sadness that they learnt of the death of Bra Sticks. “His unique legacy and dedication to the arts and culture fraternity will continue to inspire us to promote excellence in the sector,” said Phola.
“We lost a father and pillar. Robala ka kgotso Ntate Sticks,” he added.
At the time of going to print funeral arrangement had not been concluded.