#madosini

Dr. Latozi ‘Madosini’ Mpahleni’s funeral was held on Saturday, January 7 in her home village, Mkankatho in Libode. PICTURE: EC GOV/FACEBOOK

Dr. Latozi Mpahleni, popularly known as Madosini, the matriarch of Xhosa traditional instruments, was laid to rest on Saturday, January 7, in Mkankatho Village in Libode. After a long illness, this cultural icon died on Friday, December 23, last year. She was buried with dignity at a special provincial official funeral.

People gathered to remember Dr. Madosini, an international icon known for her exceptional contribution to Xhosa culture through the preservation and popularisation of isiXhosa musical bows.

The program was directed by Nonceba Kontsiwe, the Eastern Cape’s MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture. Dr. Madosini’s legacy was evident in the young talent she nurtured, according to family, friends, and students.

During his eulogy, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane described Dr. Madosini as kind-hearted and selfless because she shared her musical talents with the country’s younger musicians.

“The greatest legacy she has left us with is teaching local young people to play the three instruments; uhadi, umrhubhe and isitolotolo that propelled her to musical stardom,” said Mabuyane.

He continued, “The responsibility is now with us who are left behind to ensure that the seeds she has planted in young people germinates the fruit she desired.”

Mabuyane stated that the nation is mourning Dr. Madosini’s death because she was a musician in a genre that played an important role in uniting people; her music inspired peace and love among people from various countries.

Dr. Madosini was robed and hooded by Rhodes University last year after being awarded a Doctor of Music degree in 2020. The university was unable to hold a handover event due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. However, during the Department of Sport, Art, and Culture’s Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition event in September last year, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela and Music and Musicology Head of Department Dr Boudina McConnachie made it official.