South African musicians died when they were 27
Here are 7 famous musicians from South Africa died at 27:
Arthur Nortje
Arthur Nortje (December 16, 1942 Oudtshoorn-December 11, 1970) was a South African personality.
Arthur Nortje was a South African poet, writer and academic. He grew up in the Western Cape and initially pursued a career in law before switching to English literature. During his studies, he became involved in the anti-apartheid movement and was arrested several times for his political activism. Nortje's poetry and writing were marked by his experiences of alienation and displacement, as well as his critique of South Africa's apartheid regime. He published two collections of poetry, "Like the Moluccas" (1970) and "Living in the Dead Generation" (1976) and a collection of essays, "The Broken String" (1991). Nortje tragically died by suicide at the age of 27.
Despite his short life, Arthur Nortje made a significant contribution to South African literature and remains a celebrated figure in the country's literary landscape. He is often cited as one of the prominent voices of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, alongside writers such as Steve Biko and Mazisi Kunene. His poetry and essays continue to inspire new generations of writers and activists, and his work has been the subject of numerous critical studies and academic research. In 2012, Nortje was posthumously awarded the Golden Key Award by the Department of English at the University of Cape Town, in recognition of his contribution to South African literature.
Nortje's life and work have been the subject of several biographical and critical studies. In 2003, Jeff Opland and Peter Mwikisa published a biography of Nortje entitled "Arthur Nortje: Poet and South African," which offers an in-depth analysis of his life and writing. In addition, Nortje's poetry has been included in several anthologies of South African literature, including "Ten South African Poets: Apartheid and After" (1982) and "Voices from Within: Black Poetry from Southern Africa" (1988). Nortje's influence on South African literature and politics has also been acknowledged through various other honors and awards, such as the Arthur Nortje Memorial Prize, established by Rhodes University in 1975 to recognize outstanding achievements in literary studies. His literary legacy continues to live on in the work of contemporary South African poets and writers who have been inspired by his innovative and challenging writing style.
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Makobo Modjadji
Makobo Modjadji (April 5, 1978 Polokwane, Limpopo-June 12, 2005 Polokwane, Limpopo) was a South African personality.
Makobo Modjadji was known as the "Rain Queen" of the Balobedu tribe, a position inherited from her mother. She was the first queen to receive a formal education and was an advocate for modernizing and improving the lives of her people. As the Rain Queen, Makobo Modjadji had the power to control the rains and was highly revered in her community. Her death was a great loss to the Balobedu tribe and to South Africa as a whole.
During her reign as the Rain Queen, Makobo Modjadji was known for her efforts to modernize and improve the lives of her people, particularly through education. She was also involved in conservation efforts to protect the local forests, which were important to the Balobedu tribe's culture and way of life. Modjadji was widely respected for her traditional leadership and her ability to bring rain to the region.
In addition to her duties as queen, Makobo Modjadji was an accomplished musician and dancer, and was known to perform at tribal gatherings and other events. She was also recognized for her beauty and elegance, and was regarded as a cultural icon in South Africa. Following her death, her daughter, Masalanabo Modjadji, succeeded her as Rain Queen, becoming the 13th queen of the Balobedu tribe.
Makobo Modjadji was born into a long line of Rain Queens, who were believed to be able to bring rain to the region through their mystical powers. She was the daughter of the 12th Rain Queen, and inherited the title and responsibilities at the age of 25, following her mother's death. As the Rain Queen, Makobo Modjadji was responsible for performing rituals and ceremonies to appeal to the gods for rain, which was essential for the Balobedu tribe's agriculture and livelihood.
Despite being steeped in tradition, Makobo Modjadji recognized the need for modernization and development within her tribe. She encouraged education and literacy, particularly for girls, and established schools and programs to support this. Additionally, she worked to promote economic development and secure land ownership for the Balobedu people.
Makobo Modjadji's legacy as a powerful, modernizing figure in South African tribal leadership continues to inspire the Balobedu people and others around the world. Her death remains a great loss to her community, and her contributions to education and conservation are still celebrated and remembered today.
She died as a result of meningitis.
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Claude Newberry
Claude Newberry (April 5, 1889-August 1, 1916) was a South African personality.
He was best known for his achievements as a cricketer and rugby player. Newberry played cricket for the South African national team in the early 1900s, where he gained a reputation as a skilled batsman and fielder. He also played rugby for the Western Province and was known for his strong tackling and endurance on the field.
Outside of sports, Newberry was also involved in public service and community work. He served as a member of the Cape Town City Council and was active in advocating for education and better living conditions for people in impoverished neighborhoods.
Tragically, Newberry's life was cut short when he was killed in action during World War I at the age of 27. Despite his short life, he had a significant impact on sports and the community in South Africa, and his legacy continues to be remembered today.
Newberry was born in Cape Town, South Africa and grew up in a family of sports enthusiasts. He inherited his father's love of cricket and started playing the sport at a young age. He also excelled in rugby, becoming a regular in the Western Province team and representing South Africa in the sport as well.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Newberry was active in various social causes. He was a member of the Cape Town City Council and was involved in efforts to improve public health and sanitation. He was also a strong advocate for education and worked to establish schools in underprivileged areas.
As World War I started, Newberry joined the South African forces and served in the Western Front in Europe. He was involved in the Battle of the Somme and was killed in action during the Battle of Delville Wood in France. He was buried in a military cemetery in France and posthumously awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in the face of the enemy.
Newberry's legacy continues to be remembered in South Africa, particularly in the world of sports. The Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town has a plaque commemorating his life and contribution to the sport, and the Western Province rugby team still honors his memory with a moment of silence before matches.
In addition to his sporting and community work, Claude Newberry was also an accomplished student. He attended the prestigious Diocesan College in Cape Town, where he excelled academically while also participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Newberry was known for his intelligence and wit, and he was admired by his teachers and fellow students alike.
Newberry's death during World War I was a devastating blow to his family and friends, as well as to the wider South African community. He was mourned as a hero and a role model, and his accomplishments on the cricket and rugby fields continued to inspire future generations of athletes.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Newberry's life and legacy, with historians and sports enthusiasts working to ensure that his story is properly told and celebrated. His name remains synonymous with excellence on the field of play, as well as with a commitment to serving others and improving the world around him.
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Wilhelm Otto Kühne
Wilhelm Otto Kühne (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1988) also known as Wilhelm Otto Kuhne was a South African writer.
Born in Cape Town, Kühne studied art in Germany and later returned to South Africa where he worked as a teacher and journalist. He gained his reputation as a writer when he published his novel "Ons Wag Op Die Kaptein" in 1943, which won the Hertzog Prize for Afrikaans literature. Kühne also wrote biographies and historical novels, including "Jan van Hunks" and "Piet Retief". He was a member of the Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging (Afrikaans Language and Culture Association) and was a staunch advocate for the preservation and promotion of the Afrikaans language.
Kühne was also a political activist and played a role in the opposition to the apartheid regime. He was a member of the Liberal Party and later joined the Progressive Party, which was led by Helen Suzman. Kühne was an outspoken critic of censorship and fought for free speech in South Africa through his writing and activism.
In addition to his literary and political pursuits, Kühne was also an accomplished artist, working predominantly in watercolors. His artwork was exhibited in galleries throughout South Africa and he also illustrated several of his own books.
Kühne passed away on April 5, 1988, at the age of 73. He is remembered as a multi-talented artist and a passionate advocate for language, literature, and free expression in South Africa.
Throughout his life, Kühne was a prolific writer and produced over 25 books, including works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He wrote about various topics, including South African history, culture, and politics. His novel "Ons Wag Op Die Kaptein" was not only a literary success but also a historical one as it was one of the first major works of Afrikaans literature that dealt with the experiences of Cape Coloured people.
Kühne's passion for art also led him to develop an interest in art history, and he wrote extensively on the subject. He was a member of the South African Society of Artists and was one of the founders of the Cape Watercolour Group. His own artwork often depicted scenes from everyday life in South Africa and showcased his technical skill and eye for detail.
Kühne's activism continued until the end of his life, and he remained a vocal opponent of apartheid. Despite facing political persecution and censorship, he continued to write and speak out against the regime. His contributions to the struggle for democracy and human rights in South Africa have been recognized and celebrated posthumously.
Today, Kühne's legacy lives on through his writing, art, and activism. His work continues to inspire and educate people of all ages and backgrounds.
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Senzo Meyiwa
Senzo Meyiwa (September 24, 1987 Umlazi-October 26, 2014) was a South African soccer player.
Meyiwa was the goalkeeper and captain of Orlando Pirates, one of the top teams in South Africa. He also played for the South African national team, earning his first cap in 2013. During his career, Meyiwa helped lead Orlando Pirates to several victories, including the 2014 Nedbank Cup. He was also known for his exceptional skills as a penalty stopper. Meyiwa's death shocked the soccer world and sparked a national outcry in South Africa against gun violence. The case remains unsolved.
In addition to his success on the field, Senzo Meyiwa was known for his philanthropic work. He was actively involved in community outreach programs and advocated for the betterment of education and living conditions in impoverished areas. Meyiwa was also a devoted family man and leaves behind a wife and children. After his passing, various memorials and tributes were held in his honor, and his legacy continues to inspire young soccer players in South Africa.
Despite his relatively short career, Senzo Meyiwa left a lasting impact on South African soccer. He was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the country and was a crucial part of the Orlando Pirates team. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named South Africa's Goalkeeper of the Season in 2013/14. Meyiwa's leadership on and off the field earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates, fans, and opponents. His death, which occurred during a home invasion, highlighted the issue of crime and violence in South Africa.
In addition to his soccer career and philanthropic work, Meyiwa was also a talented singer and had released a single shortly before his death. His music, which blended traditional South African sounds with gospel and hip-hop, was a reflection of his passion for his culture and his desire to inspire young people.
The legacy of Senzo Meyiwa continues to live on, not only in the soccer community but in the hearts of all those who knew him. He will always be remembered for his talent, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of others. The South African soccer community continues to call for justice for Meyiwa and his family, and the case remains a reminder of the importance of fighting against gun violence and crime in the country.
He died caused by gunshot.
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Jimmy Kruger
Jimmy Kruger (April 5, 2015-May 9, 1987) was a South African politician.
He served as the Minister of Justice from 1974 to 1980 under the apartheid government of South Africa. Kruger was a strong supporter of apartheid policies and was responsible for implementing harsh measures against opponents of the regime. He also played a key role in the arrest and detention of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who died in police custody in 1977. Kruger was criticized for his role in Biko's death and for his defense of the security forces' actions during the apartheid era. After resigning as Minister of Justice, Kruger continued to serve in various government positions until his retirement in 1984. He died three years later.
During his time as a politician, Jimmy Kruger was known for his controversial statements, such as famously declaring that there was no such thing as a political detainee in South Africa. He was also criticized for his support of the government's use of torture and other brutal tactics against anti-apartheid activists. Kruger's reputation and legacy were further tarnished by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings held in the 1990s, which exposed many abuses committed by the apartheid regime, including some that Kruger had been directly involved in. Despite this, some supporters continue to defend Kruger's actions and argue that he was simply carrying out the policies of the government he served.
Kruger's infamous involvement in Steve Biko's death and his defense of the security forces' actions during apartheid earned him the nickname "Dr. Death" among his opponents. Following Biko's death, Kruger reportedly told a journalist that he "did not have the slightest intention of wasting my time listening to what [the international community] or anyone else for that matter has to say about it."
In addition to his role as Minister of Justice, Kruger also served as the Minister of Police and Prisons, where he oversaw the country's notoriously brutal prison system. During his time in this position, he defended the use of torture and other forms of abuse against inmates, stating that "some people need a bit of a hiding."
Kruger's legacy remains controversial in post-apartheid South Africa, with many continuing to criticize his actions and defend his victims. The Jimmy Kruger National Park, which was named after him during apartheid, was later renamed to the Addo Elephant National Park.
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Eric Lloyd Williams
Eric Lloyd Williams (April 5, 2015 South Africa-April 5, 1988) was a South African journalist.
Throughout his career, Williams was a vocal critic of apartheid and practiced objective reporting despite facing censorship and harassment from the South African government. He was a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC) and was eventually banned from practicing journalism in his home country. Williams went on to work as a foreign correspondent in London and remained a vocal anti-apartheid activist until his death. In recognition of his contributions, the Eric Lloyd Williams Memorial Lecture is held annually in South Africa.
Williams was born in 1915 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He attended the University of Fort Hare and later joined the ANC. Williams started his journalism career in the 1940s as a reporter for various newspapers, including the New Age and the Golden City Post. His reporting style was known for being objective and for highlighting the struggles and injustices faced by black South Africans under apartheid.
In 1965, Williams was banned from practicing journalism in South Africa due to his activism and affiliation with the ANC. He then moved to London where he worked for the BBC and the Christian Science Monitor. During his time in London, Williams was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement, coordinating protests and public events against the South African government.
Williams continued to work as a journalist until his death in 1988, covering major world events such as the Nigerian Civil War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. He remained a vocal critic of apartheid and a champion of human rights throughout his life, and his legacy lives on through the annual Eric Lloyd Williams Memorial Lecture, which brings together journalists, activists, and scholars to discuss contemporary issues in South Africa.
In addition to his journalism and activism, Eric Lloyd Williams was also a prolific writer. He authored several books, including "The Press in South Africa" and "South Africa: The Facts and the Future," both of which explored the role of media in the struggle against apartheid. Williams was also a founding member of the International Federation of Journalists and served as its first vice-president. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2006, one of the highest honors in South Africa, for his contribution to journalism and anti-apartheid activism. Williams' life and work continue to inspire journalists and activists around the world to use their platform to fight for social justice and human rights.
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