It’s difficult for me to even imagine that Zim Ngqawana is no more.
To me, this great man was many things in one - a friend, colleague, business partner, brother and a mentor to some extent.
Having met and spoke to him in early February after my departure from Sheer Sound Records in 2009, I was very excited that he had shown interest in me to further market and promote his latest releases as I had been doing for the past 11 years with him at the same record label.
My first encounter with this musical giant was as far back as 1998 when I was tasked to work on his beautiful collaboration with the Norwegian band on the SAN album. This is a masterpiece of work that truly distinguished Zim from the rest of the musicians in this underrated genre that many will cherish for as long as they see the sun rise.
Zim was to South Africa what John Coltrane was to the US jazz followers or worshippers. He was a new breed of young SA jazz musicians who raised the bar much higher for all.
I'll remember him for his love for harnessing talent whenever he identified it. Young lions such as Kyle Shepard bear witness to what Zim did where many had failed in the unearthing of such rare musical brilliance. I was lucky and blessed to have also worked with his other stablemates who were as profoundly and immensely great as him. These included Sipho Gumede, Mankunku Ngozi, Prof Hotep Galeta, Bheki Mseleku, Miriam Makeba, Allan Kwela, Lulu Gontsana, Moses Khumalo, Moses Molelekwa, Prince Kupi, Busi Mhlongo (all corr) and many others who have since joined the Big band of Mzansi up there in the heavenly theatre.
Perhaps one would be expected to be an expert in formulating an epithet befitting a colossal the size of Bra Zim. It was a pleasure to have been involved in the making and release of good albums such as Zimology, which made him to be a recognisable figure in SA; Zimphonic Suites, Vhadzimu, The SAN, Ingoma, Live in USA and many others that would distinctly define the unequalled reed man.
Bra Zim, words would not be enough to paint a perfect picture of you to those who lacked or were deliberately ignorant to your dedication to this art form, which to you was a nirvana. To all his friends, colleagues, fans & family, words would not be sufficient enough to assuage the pain caused by the sudden passing of this son of the soil. Let's adore and appreciate them & their works whilst they're still with us rather than when their no more.
Bon voyage, Zimasile, you have indeed played your part and it's going to be hard to fill the void. Rest in peace. Sail on, mhlekazi... Qula Kwedini! Ek se, mnca loop.