(Dr Brian
Thusi)
Family announces the tragic death of Dr
Nhlanhla Brian Thusi.
"It is with deep sadness that the Thusi
family announces the passing away of its loving father, Dr Nhlanhla Brian
Thusi. Dr Thusi passed away from kidney failure at St. Augustine’s Hospital,
Durban at 22h00 on July 31, 2018. He had been admitted the previous day after
complications from a routine dialysis," says family spokesperson, Vukani Mbhele
Brian Thusi was born in Umlazi, south of
Durban, in 1952. He started playing brass instruments at the age of 10, taught
by his late father, who was a minister of religion and was based in Port
Elizabeth at the time. Thusi performed with many local youth brass ensembles.
He was introduced to jazz by the late Mr SD Ngcobo, who was the principal of
Ohlange High School, Inanda, north of Durban, at the time. He identified jazz
talent in him. He played trumpet for the school jazz group. He played trumpet,
flugel horn, trombone, harmonica and sang efficiently.
Thusi, Khaya Mahlangu, Donald Diaz, Sipho
Mvusi Seth Twala and GTX Xaba formed a school jazz band at Ohlange, which
became very popular around Durban schools and jazz events.
He performed in the following countries as
an artist/producer/manager: Australia, Nigeria, Namibia, Zimbabwe, New Zealand,
Botswana, France, Germany, USA, Spain, England, Ghana, Mozambique, United Arab
Emirates, Norway, Japan, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Wales.
He performed with KZN Philharmonic
Orchestra, Namibia’s National Symphony Orchestra, Haringey Youth Orchestra
(London) and North West Chamber Orchestra. He led the Natal University jazz
band in Hanover World Expo 2000 Germany.
Thusi recorded and performed with some
great artists such as Hotep Galleta, Mbongeni Ngema, Malcolm Braff, Mankunku
Ngozi, Darius Brubeck, Victor Ntoni, Lulu Gontsana, Kenny Baron, Ladysmith
Black Mambazo, Caiphus Semenya, Hugh Masekela, Themba Mkhize, Sandile Shange,
Sipho Gumede, to mention but a few.
He trained young South African brass
musicians for Sydney Olympics 2000, who performed in the official opening of the
Olympic Games with 2,000 other young musicians from all over the world.
He conducted international music workshops
with Haringey (London) Youth Orchestra, including South African young musicians
and the KZN Youth Orchestra. He also lectured music at the Durban Music School
and at his church, The Salvation Army, to which he dedicated his whole life. He
also imparted his knowledge to surrounding communities, free of charge, working
with Non-Profit Organisations.
He co-produced his debut album, Future Talk, which was launched in 2009.
In 2010, that recording was nominated for SAMA awards as the best traditional
jazz album. He later recorded three albums, Future
Talk, Bonga and Thokoza.
He had major achievements for his
contribution to the South African community, some of which are:
-Winner of Durban Mayor’s Award for
community builder in 2001
-Winner of National Youth Developer Award
of the year - 2003
-Winner of Impact to the community Arts
(Fools Award) Durban - 2005
-Founded a Music Centre for the
historically disadvantaged youth of Durban and surrounding areas - 1986
-Chosen to compose music and conduct the
Haringey Youth Orchestra (North London 2000 & 2001) and Oslo Youth Wind
Ensemble (Norway (2002)
-Umlazi arts organization gave a lifetime
musician award - 2014
-Acknowledged by BVSM as the lifetime
trumpeter - 2015
-Produced recordings of international
standard for professional musicians and amateurs for demo recordings and
commercial purposes.
Thusi had the following degrees related to
music: Bachelor of Music, Masters in Music Education and PhD in Arts, Culture
and Heritage. He studied at the University of New Mexico, Washington
University, University of Pretoria, University of Natal, University of
Zululand, Durban University of Technology and North West University
(Potchefstroom campus)
A scholar and lover of arts, he performed
at Soul Jazz Festival in Richards Bay, on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, on
July 28, sharing the platform with Chris Walker and Regina Belle, delivering a
thrilling performance as always.
“On Monday, he went for his routine
dialysis, but later developed complications. He was then admitted to hospital,
although not showing signs of being seriously ill. The following day he was put
on life support and sadly passed on.
“As a family, we find it hard to accept
that he is gone. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and community
builder. He was very passionate about developing young talent and loved his
craft, as he spent most of his time perfecting his talents. He will be sorely
missed for his carefree attitude, always cracking jokes. He loved people,
always socialising easily with anyone, no matter what social status they occupied.
Lala uphumule, Mfene, Mlotshwa!” says Vukani Mbhele.
Thusi is survived by his wife, Mrs Weziwe
Thusi (KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development), his children Mongezi and wife
Vuvu, Songezo, Bahla and husband Nkanyiso, his two brothers and three
grandchildren.
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