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Composer

 

Mackay Davashe was a South African composer and musician who was born on August 14, 1929, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He was born into a musical family, and his father was a traditional healer who also played the concertina. Davashe grew up in a rural area where he was exposed to traditional Xhosa music, which would later influence his compositions. Davashe began his musical career as a self-taught guitarist, and he later learned to play the piano and saxophone. He was also a talented singer and songwriter, and he wrote many songs in the Xhosa language. In the 1950s, Davashe moved to Johannesburg, where he became a member of the African Jazz and Variety group. He also played with other notable South African musicians, including Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. In the 1960s, Davashe began to focus on composing classical music. He studied music theory and composition at the University of Cape Town, and he also studied with the renowned South African composer Stefans Grové. Davashe's compositions were influenced by his Xhosa heritage, and he often incorporated traditional Xhosa rhythms and melodies into his works. One of Davashe's most notable compositions is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1974. The symphony is a fusion of Western classical music and traditional Xhosa music, and it features a large orchestra and a choir. The symphony is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of Xhosa culture. The first movement, "Ukutshona kukaMfengu" (The Flight of the Mfengu), represents the migration of the Mfengu people from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape. The second movement, "Ukutshona kukaXhosa" (The Flight of the Xhosa), represents the Xhosa Wars of the 19th century. The third movement, "Ukutshona kukaMendi" (The Flight of the Ships), represents the arrival of the Europeans in South Africa. The fourth movement, "Ukutshona kukaNtu" (The Flight of the People), represents the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa. Davashe's other notable compositions include his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1980, and his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1985. The Piano Concerto is a virtuosic work that features a solo piano accompanied by a large orchestra. The String Quartet No. 1 is a more intimate work that features four string instruments playing together. Davashe's compositions were well-received in South Africa, and he was often praised for his ability to fuse Western classical music with traditional African music. However, his music was not widely known outside of South Africa, and he did not receive the international recognition that he deserved. In addition to his work as a composer, Davashe was also a music educator. He taught at the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape, and he was a mentor to many young South African musicians. Davashe passed away on December 12, 2005, at the age of 76. His legacy as a composer and musician continues to inspire young South African musicians, and his music remains an important part of South Africa's cultural heritage.

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