'Undisclosed illness' kills veteran spiritual drummer Thabang Philip Tabane – son of the legendary Dr Philip “Nchipi” Tabane

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Mamelodi, and indeed the South African music scene, is mourning the loss of Thabang Philip Tabane, 46, a renowned spiritual drummer and son of the legendary Dr Philip “Nchipi” Tabane.

News of his death, following a sudden illness in December, was confirmed by his childhood friend and fellow musician, Mpho Given “Azah” Mphago, 45.

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"Our hearts are truly broken," Mphago said. While details surrounding Thabang's passing remain scarce, the impact of his life and music reverberates throughout the South African musical landscape.

From the tender age of eight, Thabang was immersed in the world of music, a legacy undoubtedly shaped by his father’s profound influence. He wasn't just a drummer; he was a conduit for an ancient sound, a spiritual improviser who dedicated his life to bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. His music, deeply rooted in the rhythms of Ndebele, Bapedi, and VhaVenda spiritual healers, carried the essence of his father’s work while forging a unique and powerful path of its own.

Thabang's musical journey took him far beyond the borders of South Africa. He toured internationally, performing alongside his father’s renowned Malombo band and collaborating with some of the country's most celebrated musicians. His 2018 debut solo album, Matjale, showcased his exceptional talent: brisk tempos, nimble basslines, and intricate polyrhythms pulsed with the energy of a man determined to honour his heritage while pushing its creative boundaries.

"He was a gifted musician and an ‘improvisationalist’ who wanted to understand the world through music,” Mphago reflected. “His entire life was spent reconciling the contemporary world, which is a bit exploitative, with what the music taught him.” This dedication to his art, however, often came at a cost. Thabang grappled with the challenge of gaining widespread recognition for his deeply spiritual music.

"Together, we had many conversations about the lack of appreciation for black-conscious music, or what we called roots music,” Mphago shared, highlighting the frustration felt by Thabang and many other musicians who dedicated themselves to preserving and evolving traditional sounds. “It is an unfortunate loss, not just for Mamelodi, but for the continent. Because his musical ability represented something greater than himself.”

Like his father, who passed away in 2018, Thabang resisted the pressures of commercialisation, refusing to compromise his artistic integrity for mainstream acceptance. His drums weren't merely instruments of entertainment; they were a language, a philosophy, a powerful protest against the dilution of cultural heritage. In a world that often demanded he replicate his father’s sound, Thabang bravely chose evolution, keeping the flame of his musical legacy alive for a generation that sometimes struggled to comprehend its depth and significance.

"We were childhood friends, and he was simply a great musician — the very last generation of Malombo. And we literally learned this road together from our days at primary school,” Mphago recalled, underscoring their deep bond and shared journey in music. The two friends frequently discussed the challenges of gaining wider appreciation for their genre of music. "At the heart of our enquiries, we never reached a conclusion on what should be done to get people to understand this kind of music,” Mphago admitted, highlighting the ongoing struggle to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary audiences.

Thabang’s passing leaves a void in the South African music landscape, a loss felt deeply by his family, friends, fellow musicians, and all who were touched by his profound musical talent and unwavering commitment to his heritage. His legacy, however, will endure through his music, a testament to a life dedicated to the preservation and evolution of an ancient and powerful sound.


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