Moses Molelekwa RIP – photography: Peter Williams

This homage to pianist MOSES TAIWA MOLELEKWA on Soundcloud came to me via the very excellent Chimurenga crew and it has been created by a most interesting Jo’burg DJ and cultural activist, Mma Tseleng. It was during the Straight No Chaser years that I got to know Moses. We were acting as consultants for Robert Trunz’s B&W/MELT label and in all the amazing projects that ensued he was a special, hugely creative force. Moses Molelekwa was 27 years old when he died in strange and dark circumstances. Like Bheki Mseleku, another mesmerising South African pianist who was snatched from us before his time, Moses Molelekwa remains much missed by those who knew him.

As Mma says of the man and his music, “The great pianist, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, from Tembisa, South Africa, passed away from (his own hands? they say? but i digress) on 13 February 2001 on the eve of worldwide celebration of ‘love’. I respect this man, and his music touches me more than many loving hands that passed through me. Hope you all enjoy this mix of his music and others.”

Moses – portrait by Peter Williams

The death of Moses Molelekwa was tragedy and I give thanx to Mma for offering us this inspiring selection of music. Listen and enjoy.

Here’s the tracklist:

Moses Taiwa Molelekwa – Spirit Of Tembisa (Mama City Remix)
TKZee – Moses (Somewhere Up There)
Moses Taiwa Molelekwa – Finding One’s Self
Philip Tabane – Ngwana oyalela [a Prayer]
Tlokwe Sehume & Medu – Ba Utlwile
Moses Taiwa Molelekwa – Ntate Moholo (Grandfather)
The Cinematic Ochestra – Dawn
Moses Taiwa Molelekwa – Nobohle (live)
TKZee Family – Fella Kae
Moses Taiwa Molelekwa – Siya Modumisa