The Johannesburg concert promoter and band manager died this week of prostate cancer at the age of 51. His whose legacy went way beyond just managing artists (Philip Tabane, among them). Mocheke also mentored a whole generation of cultural workers, managed the fame jazz venue Kippies, wrote (Mocheke, for example, imagined Soweto as immigrant city) and organized the Soweto Arts Festival..
See, for example, Tiisetso Makube’s colorful tribute in South Africa’s Sunday Times as well as one by Gail Smith (distributed on Facebook).
A memorial is to be held at the Bassline in downtown Johannesburg’s Newtown district tomorrow. Go if you’re around.
(I was never personally introduced to Mocheke, although I suspect our paths crossed. In fact, he handled proceedings at a memorial for a good friend of mine, Dumisani Dlamini, who was murdered in 2004).
HT: Thanks to the Chief Priest.
This man changed my life. He was a legend in his own rights. I was awarded the opportunitiy to be one of the learners to part take in the Soweto Arts Festival. Arabi transfered his love for Live Events in me and today I do not want to do anything else. He was gone too soon because I believe that the Arts and Culture world, from aspirant artists to future procedures, they would have learnt fom the legend. Rest in Peace Arabi!!!!!!!!!