Prominent religious, political and artistic figures gathered at the Assemblies of God Church in New Brighton on Friday to pay tribute to the indelible role jazz legend Rev Patrick Pasha played in Nelson Mandela Bay during apartheid, in uplifting his community, and as a musician.
More than 150 people attended his funeral on Friday, singing gospel and struggle songs.
Gqeberha’s internationally acclaimed jazz artist Feya Faku also performed to honour his close friend.
Some of the dignitaries attending were Nelson Mandela Bay MMC Buyelwa Mafaya, on behalf of mayor Babalwa Lobishe, former mayor Nceba Faku, the Senior Citizens Artists Association, Mandela Bay Theatre Complex CEO Monde Ngonyama, National Arts Festival executive producer Nobesuthu Rayi, and locally-based international award-winning jazz musician Dumza Maswana.
Pasha, fondly known as “Saxman”, died on November 13, at the age of 91, at his home in KwaDwesi.
He leaves behind six children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
His body was laid to rest at the Zwide Heroes Acre Cemetery.
One of his grandchildren, Nomampondo Madikane Toni, described him as a family man who loved to empower the youth.
His health rapidly deteriorated after he was diagnosed with dementia in September.
His family said he had suffered two strokes, and passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
New Brighton’s Feya Faku, who first met Pasha in 1982 at Ithembelihle High School, said Pasha had played an instrumental role in his musical career.
“I am wounded to be honest,” Faku said.
“I took time when I heard the news, I was in Johannesburg,
“I have been in a sad space, he left a legacy.
“I want him to travel in peace.
“He was instrumental with youth development, at some point when I was progressing with music he formed the modern jazz group, Soul Jazzmen, this was about 1983 or ‘84.
“We played music that was challenging, the music was intellectual, such as the music of Benny Golson, it was heavy stuff to play at the time,” Faku said.
Senior Citizens Artists Association (Secca) chair Vuyelwa Luzipho started working with Pasha in the music industry in 1985, after forming a band called Living Waters.
They had been family friends..
“He was a humble, bold person that was sure of his music.
“Courageous, he stood for his rights.
“He started the structure Secaa in 2015 because veteran musicians had nothing to do and he was the spokesperson,” Luzipho said.
Monga Peter said the Nelson Mandela Bay ANC veterans held a memorial service for Pasha at the Henry Fazzie Community Centre in KwaDwesi, celebrating the courage he displayed during apartheid as a musician and as a reverend.
“I remember in the 1960s in a hall in KwaLanga, he told me they would hire a hall in disguise on behalf of the ANC to have underground meetings.
“That exposed him to the struggle to the point that he joined the struggle.
“He would provide shelter for people that came from exile to perform missions, the consequences for someone who did that would be severe.
“As a reverend, he stood to make sure that homes could have dignified funerals by presiding for those funerals.
“That would put their lives at risk, but they gave closure to families of activists,” Peter said.
MMC Khusta Jack, who met Pasha in 1977, said he was a knowledgeable and respectful person.
“Pasha loved children, he had a strong influence on children.
“He did good with a good heart for many years.
“Doing good for many years is important, because people could do good for a few seconds.
“Your name has been forwarded to the president for national honours, with your track record, you have served the nation,” Jack said.
“The youth of our country, the president will honour you, even if it takes years, you deserve to be honoured.”
HeraldLIVE
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