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Acclaimed South African guitarist, singer and songwriter Syd Kitchen is seen in this file picture with wife (then bride to be) Germaine Barnard in February 2009. At the time they enjoyed a triple celebration on Valentines Day when they exchanged vows, and celebrated Valentine's Day and Kitchen's 56th birthday that year. PICTURE: Shelley Kjonstad

The music and entertainment industry is in mourning today after news that well renowned musician Syd Kitchen has died.

Word of his death started filtering through on social media networks Twitter and FaceBook shortly after 11.30pm on Tuesday night.

Kitchen's wife, Germaine Barnard, confirmed that he died last night at the Highway Hospice. “I was at his side and he had a very peaceful ending. I would like to thank the staff at Highway Hospice for the great care they gave Syd and myself, to all his friends who travelled far to be with him and the amazing love and support that Syd and I have been given, to all our family especially Pete Kitchen, Syd's only sibling, and his (previous) wife June who have been a pillar of strength and support base for me. Syd will always be remembered for his beautiful music that touched the lives of so many, his sharp tongue and eccentric persona. He pursued his music passionately without any compromise and will dearly missed by all who crossed his path,” she said.

A critically acclaimed singer/song writer, Kitchen released a number albums including Waiting for the heave with the Utensils, City Child, Amakoologik with Amakool and Africa's not for sissies . He is also a known poet and teacher who had a qualification in musicology.

The gifted Durban musician is well known for his free spirit and staying true to his calling. He was also very active in helping to develop younger musicians.

Kitchen was a regular on festival music stages, including Splashy Fen, where he was scheduled to perform again this year. He was also to play at the Durban World Music Festival's Legends Concert this weekend alongside a list of other international and South African music greats which included the likes of Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg, Ronny Jordan. The Flames and more.

Syd Kitchen with his laid back folk style at the Oppikoppi music festival in 2008. Picture: Etienne Creux

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Kitchen is loved, respected and highly appreciated on the local music scene.

Long time music partner and friend, Madala Kunene, said: “I’ve known Syd for 35 years… I was with him last weekend and he said ‘Bafo (brother) I don’t think I can do that show (The Legends Concert) because I haven’t got the power’. He said I must just go on stage and be myself,” Kunene explained as his voice cracked with emotion.

Steve Fataar said he felt a feelings of happiness and overwhelming sadness. “I’m happy because he won’t suffer any longer, but it’s almost impossible to say how I feel,” he said with a lump in his throat, “… Durban has lost a great musician and compassionate person. Syd was an incredible musician and an incredible observer of social circumstances. He had a magnificent ability to put this into his music. I would say he was the best musician this side of Bob Dylan.”

Tony Cox said Kitchen’s contribution to South African music will be “greatly underappreciated for a while” before people realise how important he was. “It often happens like that in the mainstream, when music is not commercial enough. If South African had the guts to put their weight behind such musicians, Syd and other musicians would not live so close to the poverty line. It riles me up the way that someone like Syd has to go off into the beyond having not being properly recognised by his country.”

A documentary film, Fool in a Bubble, which was shot between January 2007 and 2008 and produced by Joshua Sternlicht also documented “the words and music of Syd Kitchen”.

On Sunday (March 20, 2011) ‘Celebrating Syd Kitchens Life and Music’ was held at Zacks on Whilson's Wharf. Among the performers were Rob Warren, John Ellis, Steve Fataar and Miriam Erasmus.

According to a post on the Syd Kitchen Tribute Event Page on Facebook he was recently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and a tribute concert was to be held in his honour next week called the Open Strings Tribute for Syd Kitchen.

In a press statement in February Kitchen’s family Kitchen thanked family, friends and well wishers for their support. “Thank you so much, it has been literally overwhelming to have received this level of support,” he was quoted as saying.

In the same statement his brother Peter Kitchen said: “The late stage at which the diagnosis has taken place, leaves little room for treatment except to manage his pain and discomfort as well as we can. A possible treatment option in the States is presently being explored so we will continue to update as this develops.”

Messages poured in from friends, fellow musicians and fans on Kitchen's Facebook page last night. Among these were a message from Jerome Govender which read: “There are no words to say... only music left unsung, we will continue the legacy you left for us. Shoes we can never fill, but honoured to walk in... until we meet again.”

Michael de Jaager said: “Your spirit and music lives on forever... We never got to do that interview... Another time. RIP Syd.”

George Sax said: “The band in the sky needs you. It was an honour to know you.”

Kitchen has been involved in music for several years, but shot to prominence as a solo act in the late 70s.

Aden Hinds from famous Hinds Brothers, a singing duo who often performed with Syd, sent out an SMS saying “Syd left us at 10.30 last night. May his soul rest in peace....”