(Steve
Fataar)
Steve Fataar, the legendary South African
musician who created the band The Flames and is described by well-known guitarist
Tony Cox as “a rocker and gent of note”, has died at the age of 76. He
performed at Zachs in Durban on Friday night and died in the early hours of yesterday
morning (Saturday, January 18, 2020).
“A sad and ironic way to depart this life
but we should look at it as a kind of celebration,” says artSMart’s editor,
Caroline Smart. “That last performance will remain an indelible memory to
friends and colleagues, even if they weren’t present.”
The
following is an extract from the tribute carried by The Mercury:
“According to media reports, Fataar
suffered from lung complications, although the exact cause of death is yet to
be confirmed.
In 2014, Fataar had fallen ill and during
an interview with the Daily News, Fataar said the fans kept him going.
Fataar had been rushed to the RK Khan
Hospital in Chatsworth after having difficulty breathing. At the time, he said
he had contracted pneumonia and the flu in one week while he was in hospital.
Despite being ill, Fataar signed autographs
for nurses, doctors and his fans.
Later on in the same year, Fataar's music
buddies held a benefit concert for him because of his health issues. The
concert included a host of musicians, including The Reals, The Hairy-Legged
Lentil Eaters and Graham Boyle and Spider Murch. Fataar and his son, Dane also
featured in the line-up.
Fataar was well-known for playing at
various concerts and events with his band, The Flames - which was known for
their hit, For Your Precious Love.
Many of his friends, family and fans took
to social media on Saturday to express their condolences on his passing.”
The feelings and respect that Fataar
generated from colleagues, friends and audiences can be seen from the
outpourings of sadness on Facebook. Here is just a small selection of the comments:
Mageshan Naidoo (guitarist): Steve was so kind and nurturing. He
achieved international stardom in the days when it was impossible for the
majority of musicians in South Africa! He was an inspiration to me
Tim Wells (former Durban actor now living in UK): R.I.P. Steve
Fataar legendary musician and a gentle unassuming down-to-earth man of amazing
experience. Played music right up to his final few hours in this life. Rest
well Steve!
Barry Thomson (guitarist): R.I.P. Steve... thank you for the love
and respect you always showed to me. And countless others.
Derrick Mlambo (leader of the Kolwa Brothers): RIP STEVE FATAAR, my
brother. Thank you very much for your contribution towards the development of
the Kholwa Brothers. I will always remember the song that we did with you at
UKZN and ZACKS. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to your family.
Jayshree Parasuramen (radio presenter): We are
blessed as artists by those who came before us. He paved the way and taught us
life lessons in this industry.
Jason Andrew (guitarist): Count myself fortunate to have shared a
good few stages with Steve Fataar. These are good memories. Learnt some stuff
when these gigs happened.
Fiona Tozer (musician): Respect! Steve Fataar you had the courage
to dedicate your life to the music, and on the way helped so many other
musicians. Always the gentleman, Durban will miss you.
Philani Ngidi (guitarist). Thank you, Steve, for the great
memories. You performed till your last day. I will miss our jam sessions and
our tequila and naartjie. Rest in Peace
Ian Ewok Robinson (actor, mural artist): Roll In Peace, brother Steve
Fataar. Your influence on the early days of Durban hip hop, creating stages for
us young heads, putting us on whenever you were rocking, just being the humble
soulful dude you are, so many memories you helped us make, so many fires you
kept burning. Being embraced by a legend, in all of your humbleness, was a
lesson in life I will carry with me always. Salute, Capitano! Mad love, mad
respect, much fire
Joey Fourie, owner of music venue The Daily
Music Show in Cape Town and close friend of Fataar’s, has revealed that a
documentary on the life of the legendary musician is "in the works".
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