By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Choral music legend, composer and conductor Prof Mzilikazi Khumalo in 2012.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says it has learnt with deep sadness of the passing of one of South Africa’s revered choral music composers and conductors, Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo.
Professor Khumalo passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89.
He was born on 20 June 1932 to parents who were in the Salvation Army Ministries.
Khumalo is most notably remembered for the work he did on the composition of the post-apartheid South African national anthem, which was a fusion of Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika and Die Stem.
He was a revered composer and professor emeritus of African languages at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). After matric, Khumalo studied at a teachers training college in Mamelodi, Pretoria, earning a bachelor’s degree with majors in English and isiZulu from the University of South Africa in 1956.
He graduated with a masters degree from Wits, going on to obtain a PhD at the same institution in 1988.
He was a tutor at Wits in the Department of African Languages from 1969, climbing the academic ladder up to professorship and head of the department.
It was under Khumalo’s baton that choral music reached its golden era. Starting with his first composition, Ma Ngificwa Ukufa, which premiered in 1959, Khumalo’s career took off. His compositions have been recorded by the South African National Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir of the SABC conducted by Richard Cock. Among his most revered work is the cantata uShaka KaSenzangakhona which narrates the story of Shaka, the king of Amazulu.
In 1986 he composed a choral work for the enthronement of Archbishop Desmond Tutu of the Anglican Church. His commissioned work of Princess Magogo kaDinizulu in 2002 was groundbreaking as the first isiZulu language opera. It was a celebration of the life of Amazulu princess, musician and poet Princess Constance Magogo ka Dinizulu.
Most of his music was in isiZulu and, having lived in rural KwaZulu-Natal, his compositions reflected his religion and tradition.
He helped put together the first Zulu opera, Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu. It was an opera showcasing the work written by the princess, who was also the mother of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The late Sibongile Khumalo released an album in 2005 which included music from that opera.
“Prof Khumalo was a colossal figure in South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape. He was undoubtedly an authority in literature and African languages, who deserved every accolade that he received in his lifetime,” said Minister Nathi Mthethwa upon hearing of his passing.
Khumalo is also known for being a prominent folksong arranger‚ choral composer and choir director.
Most notably, Khumalo was part of the committee that amalgamated the Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika prayer with Die Stem to form the post-apartheid South African national anthem.
His music continues to feature prominently in music festivals and competitions in the country and abroad.
“As the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, we celebrate his contribution to the arts and heritage landscape and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends and to the industry at large. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said in a statement.
Meanwhile Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO sent his condolences: “The passing away of Professor Khumalo is a serious loss to the music industry. He was a repository of knowledge and a well of information when it comes to African folklore, musicality and choral music. He lived a long and beautiful life and gave his country a great songbook, that includes a national anthem, we can be proud of. We send our condolences to the Khumalo family, the choral music community, colleagues and fans of this iconic son of the soil.”