Education Fund to be set up for the children of the Late Makati Molekwa
The music industry was saddened by the news of the passing of musician and bassist Makati Molekwa, on the 28th October 2013.
This Johannesburg-based bassist, was born in Soweto, on the 5th April 1972 in South Africa. Makati was a truly multi-talented artist, who achieved recognition as a bassist, composer, producer and music director and was widely respected by his peers, colleagues, friends and family
At the age of 19 years old, after he attended the musical school at FUBA Academy, he enlisted at Tshwane University of Technology studying music and majoring in Bass Guitar.
Through the years, Makati performed countless shows in many Music Festivals, Night Clubs and Performing Arts Events throughout South Africa, neighbouring African countries and Europe.
He worked as musical producer for C-Ya, musical director for Phinda, and many other successful collaborations, performing with some of the finest musicians and musical organisations of our time, including Sipho ‘Hot Sticks’ Mabuse, Kaolin, Super Queens, Ringo Madlingozi, Frank Oppermann, Papa Wemba, Junga Beez and many more.
Makati was most remembered, as the bassist for the funk-soul group, B-Traq, which he loved and cherished.
His fellow band mates, Fazza and Naami were devastated by his death.
“Makati was not just a great bass player and fellow musician, he was a very dear friend and a mentor to me. Makati believed in our music and never lost faith in Btraq. He was a positive energy in the band and a deep thinker who shared his views openly and without judgement”, says Fazza (Farryl Roth, Lead singer & guitarist of B-Traq)
“Makati’s passion drove him through life and music, through politics and society. He always thought carefully about what he said and did, and was a mentor to all people seeking truth and beautiful music. His teachings will inspire me forever”, recalls Naami, (vocalist and flutist of B-Traq)
Makati was also a loving father, and after the death of his wife last year, was left to raise his 3 boys. He was their only 
surviving parent, guardian and bread winner.
Since his death, these 3 minors are without their parents.
In light of this distressing news, the music community and friends of Makati have decided to hold a Benefit Concert in order to raise funds for the 3 boys. The money raised will be placed into an Education Trust Fund for his sons
Not only are the organisers hoping to raise a great sum of money on this day, in order to secure the education of these boys and to give them the opportunities to further their future, but an on going crowd funding campaign will be launched as well. People can continue donating towards this education fund, which will be carefully and legally managed.
In the real spirit of Makati, the generosity of those involved in the organising of this event has been overwhelming. All involved, including The Bassline, musicians on the line up, organisers, Tixsa, the Lawyers setting up the Trust, sound crew, have all contributed their time and services for free, to ensure the success of this Concert.
This benefit concert will take place on Sunday, the 8th December 2013, from 2pm at The Bassline, Newtown (10 Henry Nxumalo St, Johannesburg 2001; 011 838 9145), with a strong Security presence.
The line up is an incredible one, and we will be celebrating Makati’s life through the medium he loved so much, Music.
Already confirmed on the line up are, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Pops Mohamed, B-Traq, Laurie Levine, Riaan van Rensburg, Sez Adamson, Jeremy Franklin and the Allstars, Kyle Meenehan, The Howlin Shibanski, Kathy Raven
A further and final line up will be announced in the weeks to come.
Tickets can be purchased on the day, at the door, at R 100 each or else you can purchase tickets through Tixsa.
For further information and/or interviews kindly contact bronwen@bsharpentertainment.co.za
