End of an Era: Renowned Musician and Community Advocate “Mama Kaap” Sylvia Mdunyelwa Passes Away.
Cape Town; South Africa — The music world mourns the loss of Sylvia Nonceba Mdunyelwa, affectionately known as “Mama Kaap,” a beloved musician, broadcaster, and actor from the Langa township in Cape Town. With a career spanning over five decades, Mama Kaap’s contribution to music and her community has left an indelible mark.
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Mdunyelwa’s musical journey began in the 1970s when she joined Victor Ntoni’s sextet, and she went on to collaborate with eminent Cape Town Jazz musicians like the Ngucakana brothers, Winston Mankunku, and more. Born in Langa over 50 years ago, she became an icon recognized as “Sis Nce” or “Mam Nce” in her community and “Mama Kaap” to Cape Town’s wider audience.
Beyond her captivating renditions of jazz standards and traditional Xhosa songs, Mama Kaap mentored young musicians, even taking a group to the International Children’s Jazz Festival in Canada. She furthered her skills at the University of California Los Angeles and performed at renowned events such as the Berlin Festival. Her passion for jazz was nurtured by legendary influences like Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McCrae, and Sarah Vaughan.
Mama Kaap’s impact wasn’t confined to music; she was recognized with the ‘Golden Guachupe’ award for her community work by the Colombian government. She participated in the BBC production about Bishop Desmond Tutu, presented “Voice of Jazz” on P4 Radio, and hosted shows on stations like Umhlobo Wenene FM. An advocate for local spaces, she tirelessly supported artists from her community.
Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, praised Mama Kaap’s legacy and noted her influence on artists and her commitment to community development.
“Mama Kaap” passed away last week due to a short illness. Her funeral is scheduled for Saturday, September 2 in Langa. As South Africa bids farewell to this exceptional artist and advocate, her impact will resonate through her music, community work, and the lives she touched.
