Poets of Words and SoundsIssue date: 31 January 2020 By Dineo Poo Technical information: The postage stamp is often referred to as the country’s smallest ambassador. It is befitting therefore that the SA Post Office honours three remarkable men whose words and music left an imprint all over the continent and the world with a Standard Postage Rate sheet of three se-tenant stamps designed by Thea Clemons. The trio, Keorapetse William Kgositsile, Hugh Masekela and Philip Tabane all started practicing their craft as a hobby not knowing that they would reach staggering heights in their careers. Kgositsile was made the country’s first National Poet Laureate in 1996. He also received the National Order of Inkamanga in 2008. The life and contribution of the father of three and intellectual father of many, is a clear example of the adage that ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’! As a young teenager, Hugh Masekela was given a trumpet by Father Trevor Huddleston, a priest serving the Rosettenville community where Hugh was a student. The gift led to the beginning of Hugh’s career as a flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer, human rights and political activist. He has been appreciated and honoured by many in his illustrous career. Amongst the honours that he received was The Order of Ikhamanga; a Lifetime Achievement award Philip Nchipi ‘Dr Malombo’ Tabane played several instruments in his unmistakable style with the first one being the pennywhistle that he learnt at the age of seven. Philip Tabane could play a wide array of instruments including the pennywhistle, harmonica, guitar, marimba, shakers, rattles and Malombo drums. Malombo is defined as ‘a style of music combining elements of the music performed in traditional Malombo ceremonies'. He could strum the guitar and beat the drums in a way that left many unable to categorise his vibrant, energetic and haunting music. Philip Tabane formed the group ‘Malombo’ in the early 1960S. He was recognised as one of the best ever SA musicians by at least two universities that honoured him with doctoral degrees. Although he left this world, the healing power of his music remains. The stamps are available at Philatelic Services. References |
