South African musicians died when they were 31
Here are 8 famous musicians from South Africa died at 31:
Ingrid Jonker
Ingrid Jonker (September 19, 1933 Northern Cape-July 19, 1965 Cape Town) was a South African writer and poet.
Ingrid Jonker is considered one of the most important figures in South African literature and is known for her poetry that deals with human relationships, social injustice, and the struggle against apartheid. She grew up in a turbulent environment with an abusive father and a mother who suffered from mental illness. Her troubled childhood inspired much of her writing.
Jonker was an anti-apartheid activist and her poetry often included political themes, which caused her work to be banned by the South African government. Despite this, she continued to write and publish her work, earning numerous literary awards and accolades.
After her death, Jonker's work gained international recognition and her poetry was translated into several languages. She is remembered as a symbol of the struggle against oppression and tyranny, and her legacy continues to inspire people to this day.
Ingrid Jonker's poetry was first published in the early 1960s and gained widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and raw honesty. She was associated with the "Sestigers" movement, a group of South African writers who challenged the cultural norms of their time. Jonker's most famous poem, "The Child Who Was Shot Dead by Soldiers in Nyanga," was a powerful criticism of the apartheid government and its policies.
She was involved in several romantic relationships throughout her life, including one with famed South African writer Jack Cope. Their relationship was tumultuous but also inspiring, as they collaborated on several literary projects. Jonker struggled with mental health issues and attempted suicide several times before ultimately taking her own life by drowning herself in the ocean at the age of 31.
In 2005, Nelson Mandela read one of Jonker's poems at the opening of the South African parliament as a tribute to her contributions to South African literature and her activism against apartheid. Her life and legacy continue to inspire generations of South Africans, and her work remains an important part of the country's cultural history.
She died as a result of suicide.
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Louis Isaac Rabinowitz
Louis Isaac Rabinowitz (April 5, 2015 Scotland-April 5, 1984) was a South African personality.
Louis Isaac Rabinowitz was a well-known South African journalist, writer, and political activist. He was born in Scotland but moved to South Africa with his family at a young age. Rabinowitz was best known for his fearless reporting on apartheid and his fight against racial inequality. He worked as a journalist for various publications, including The Rand Daily Mail, and was an outspoken critic of the apartheid regime. Rabinowitz was also involved in anti-apartheid activism and was a founding member of the South African Congress of Democrats. He was arrested several times for his activism and was even banned from leaving Johannesburg for five years. Rabinowitz died in 1984 at the age of 69, but his legacy as a brave and principled journalist and social justice advocate lives on.
During his career, Rabinowitz also worked as a news editor and columnist for The Rand Daily Mail, a newspaper known for its opposition to apartheid. He wrote articles exposing the injustices of the system, and his reporting often led to him being harassed and threatened by authorities. In 1963, he was arrested and detained without trial for six months under the notorious 90-day detention law.
Rabinowitz was also an accomplished author, publishing several books on South African politics and society. His most famous work, "South Africa: The Peasant's Revolt," was banned by the apartheid government upon its release in 1967.
Despite facing significant personal and professional challenges, Rabinowitz continued to fight for social justice throughout his life. He was a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement and worked closely with other activists, including Nelson Mandela. Rabinowitz's commitment to creating a more equal and just society in South Africa inspired many others to join the struggle, and his legacy continues to inspire those fighting for social justice today.
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Ashley Callie
Ashley Callie (December 30, 1976 Johannesburg-February 15, 2008 Johannesburg) was a South African actor.
She graduated with a degree in drama and classical piano at the University of Cape Town before beginning her career in the entertainment industry. Ashley Callie was best known for her role as Lee Haines in the South African soap opera, "Isidingo". She made her film debut in 2002's "Promised Land" and also appeared in "Chasing the Dragon" and "The Sinking of the Laconia". Callie received several award nominations for her work, including a South African Film and Television Award for Best Actress in a TV Soap. In addition to her acting career, she was also an accomplished pianist and singer. Callie died in a car accident at the age of 31.
Following her death, Ashley Callie was honored with several tributes and posthumous awards. These included a nomination for a SAFTA Golden Horn award for her final work on "Isidingo" and the installation of a plaque in her memory at the Alexander Theatre in Johannesburg. In 2009, she was posthumously awarded the Ordinary Medal of the Order of the Disa for her contribution to the field of drama in South Africa. During her life, Callie was known for her dedication to various charitable causes, including the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Red Cross Children's Hospital.
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Bafo Biyela
Bafo Biyela (January 11, 1981 Empangeni-September 17, 2012) was a South African personality.
He is best known for his role as "Mthunzi" in the SABC1 drama series "Sokhulu & Partners". Biyela began his acting career in community theatre in his hometown of Empangeni before moving to Johannesburg to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He also appeared in several other South African TV shows such as "Intersexions", "Generations" and "Mtunzini.com". Biyela was also a dancer and choreographer, and he was involved in various community projects aimed at empowering youth through the arts. He tragically passed away in 2012 at the age of 31.
Biyela was born and raised in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He discovered his passion for acting at a young age and got involved in community theatre as a teenager. After completing high school, Biyela moved to Johannesburg to pursue his dream of becoming an entertainer. Before making a name for himself as an actor, Biyela worked odd jobs to make ends meet, including working as a petrol attendant.
In addition to his work on television, Biyela was also an accomplished stage performer. He appeared in several stage productions, including "The Lion King" and "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story". Biyela was also an avid dancer and choreographer, and he worked on various dance projects over the years.
Biyela was committed to using his talent and success to give back to his community. He was involved in a number of youth empowerment initiatives and worked with organizations aimed at developing talent in underprivileged communities. Biyela's passing in 2012 came as a shock to his fans and collaborators alike, and he is remembered fondly as a talented performer and a kind-hearted individual.
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Sizwe Motaung
Sizwe Motaung (January 7, 1970 Newcastle-August 16, 2001 Newcastle) was a South African personality.
He was best known as a soccer player, having played for the South African national team and several local clubs including Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. Motaung was also an entrepreneur, starting his own security company and serving as a director for the family-owned Kaizer Chiefs football club. He passed away tragically in a car accident at the age of 31, leaving behind his wife and two children. Motaung is remembered as a talented athlete and a dedicated businessman who contributed greatly to the sports and business worlds in South Africa.
Off the field, Sizwe Motaung was known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He established the Sizwe Motaung Foundation, which aimed to educate young people about the disease and promote safe sex practices. Motaung was also a champion for youth development, using his own experiences to motivate and inspire young people to pursue their dreams. In addition, he was involved in various community outreach programs, including providing opportunities for underprivileged children to participate in sports. Despite his untimely death, Motaung's legacy continues to live on through his contributions to South African football and his humanitarian efforts.
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Beresford Egan
Beresford Egan (April 5, 2015 London-April 5, 1984) was a South African personality.
Beresford Egan was not only a South African personality but also a comedian and actor known for his work in British television and theatre during the late 1940s to the early 1980s. He began his career as a radio announcer in South Africa before moving to England in 1947 to pursue a career in entertainment. Egan often played eccentric or comic characters, and his vivid imagination and quick wit made him a popular figure in the British entertainment industry. In addition to his work in films and television, Egan wrote several plays and acted in various stage productions. Despite his success in Britain, Egan remained proud of his South African roots and was heavily involved in the anti-apartheid movement.
Throughout his career, Beresford Egan became a well-loved figure in British comedy, and he was often praised for his ability to bring a unique sense of humor to his roles. He appeared in several popular television series, including "The Benny Hill Show," "Yes, Minister," and "Are You Being Served?" He also appeared in a number of films, such as "The Americanization of Emily" and "The Mouse That Roared."
Aside from his work as a performer, Egan was also known for his writing. He penned several successful plays during his lifetime, including "Breakaway," which was adapted into a film in 1955. Egan was also a talented painter, and his artwork was exhibited in galleries throughout the UK.
Egan passed away on his 69th birthday in 1984. Despite his untimely death, his influence on the British entertainment world continues to be felt to this day, and he is remembered as one of the most original and talented comedians of his generation.
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Ken Oosterbroek
Ken Oosterbroek (February 14, 1963 Johannesburg-April 18, 1994 Thokoza) was a South African photographer.
He worked for the anti-apartheid newspaper The Star and won several awards for his powerful and moving images of the violence and unrest surrounding the end of apartheid in South Africa.
Oosterbroek also worked alongside other renowned photographers, including Kevin Carter and Joao Silva, during this time. In 1994, he was tragically killed while covering a violent clash between ANC supporters and hostel dwellers in Thokoza, just days before South Africa's first democratic elections. His photos captured the brutality of the violence and served as a reminder of the tumultuous history of South Africa's struggle for freedom and democracy.
Oosterbroek's bravery and dedication to documenting the realities of the conflict in South Africa inspired many aspiring photographers to follow in his footsteps. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Meritorious Service by former president Nelson Mandela in recognition of his contribution to the country's democracy. In 2013, a documentary film titled "The Bang Bang Club" was released, based on the book of the same name which chronicled the experiences of Oosterbroek and his colleagues as they captured some of the most iconic images of South Africa's transition to democracy. Oosterbroek's legacy continues to live on through his powerful and poignant photographs.
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Marc Raubenheimer
Marc Raubenheimer (March 31, 1952 Durban-December 7, 1983 Madrid) was a South African personality.
He was a professional surfer who won numerous surfing competitions, including the South African Championships in 1975 and 1976. Raubenheimer was also known for his work as a surfboard shaper, creating boards that were ground-breaking in their design.
However, Raubenheimer's life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a car accident while on a surfing trip in Spain in 1983. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to the world of surfing continue to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
In addition to his surfing success, Raubenheimer was also a talented artist and photographer. He often used his skills to document his surfing adventures and the surf culture of his time. His photography and artwork were featured in various surf magazines and publications.
Raubenheimer was known for his humble and laid-back personality, and his passion for surfing and its community was evident in everything he did. He often traveled and surfed with fellow surfers and friends, forming lasting bonds with people all over the world.
After his passing, the Marc Raubenheimer Memorial Surf Contest was established in his honor in South Africa, which is still held annually. Raubenheimer's legacy continues to inspire generations of surfers and those who appreciate the sport and culture of surfing.
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