Jazz Icon Thandi Klaasen's Boldness And Beautiful Voice Remembered

Jazz icon Thandi Klaasen died at 86, leaving South Africa an irreplaceable and enduring musical legacy.
This is Thandi Klaasen performing in February 2006 at Sophiatown Park, during the official ceremony to change the suburb's name from Triomf back to its original name of Sophiatown, the name it had before the forced removals during apartheid. Klaasen was originally from Sophiatown herself.
This is Thandi Klaasen performing in February 2006 at Sophiatown Park, during the official ceremony to change the suburb's name from Triomf back to its original name of Sophiatown, the name it had before the forced removals during apartheid. Klaasen was originally from Sophiatown herself.
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This is Thandi Klaasen as you won't see her again.

South African jazz icon Klaasen, 86, died on Sunday morning after suffering a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The songbird is considered a music icon who shaped and defined the golden age of music in South Africa.

Below are some clips of her music.

Klaasen was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2006 for her powerfully cutting song Sophiatown, in which she describes the town where she was brought up.

The Congress of the People's Dennis Bloem said in a statement that "during the dark days of apartheid‚ Klaasen composed songs that exposed the brutality of the regime‚ she became a target and was constantly harassed by the police‚ but she never gave up".

Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa expressed his condolences to Klaasen's family on Twitter, saying, "We are saddened to learn that Jazz Legend Thandi Klaasen has passed on. Our thoughts are with her daughter Lorraine, her loved ones, and fans. uMama Thandi Klaasen will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, and her silky smooth voice which serenaded audiences the world over".

Klaasen will be remembered for her bravery and boldness in the most difficult of circumstances.

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