Sebastian writes: sad to report the death yesterday of singer Sathima Bea Benjamin, an important figure in South African music, who was married for many years to Abdullah Ibrahim.

Cape Town Broadcaster Eric Alan has written:

I still reeling from the news of the death of lauded, Cape South African Jazz vocalist, the celebrated Sathima Bea Benjamin, and had a rather fitful night, with so many thought’s and recollections of happy times of chats and interaction over the last 20 or so years. Although I knew and had her music, it was only when I became involved in radio during the heady days of early community radio, did I get to know much more about her legendary status, career and on a more personal level. We were going to have an in-depth chat on All Jazz Radio during my show although some what frail her steely strength showed when chatting to her on the phone and in person. The last time we met personally was at her first Cape Town club gig at the The CRYPT Jazz Restaurant. She was a dignified figure on the stage soaking the love shown by the jazz lovers of Cape Town in the crowded venue on the night.

---

Not yet a subscriber of our Wednesday Breakfast Headlines?
Join the mailing list for a weekly roundup of Jazz News.

---

 

Sebastian met her last year in Cape Town and Gugulethu, where she talked about her career – and took this picture of her with Adam Glasser.

We reviewed African Songbird HERE