Zakes Bantwini honors Theo Bophela in his death

At 86 years old, Theo’s died of a longterm illness of Monday.

His death was confirmed by his sons‚ Scelo and Bongani Bophela in a statement issued by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) on Tuesday.

Musician Zakes Bantwini said that he was saddened by the death of his mentor.

“Baba Theo is the first person who taught me a piano‚ he taught me the foundation of music and musical notes. He was my first teacher and when I heard about his passing I realised that he had a lot of wisdom to share with artists. Music in the future will never be the same without him.”

He talked about a time when Theo became emotional after teaching him a song.

“He was showing me how to play a certain song at the piano and said he would be proud if I could play the song the same way he did. Two years later‚ I played him that song exactly how he played it to me. He was very emotional and proud of me.”

Theo was a prominent musician in the 1950s and 1960s. He worked with Tom Ndaba’s Swingsters Jazz Band‚ Chromatic Jazz Band‚ Keynotes Jazz Group and the Theo Bophela Trios & Quartets Jazz Resurrection Orchestra.

He also performed in several countries around the world. Theo wrote orchestral works for the KZN Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with Ngwelo Afrika Jazz group.

SAMRO said they would make a contribution to Theo’s family to assist with the cost of his funeral.