National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Sipho Gumede devoted his life to expressing the spirit of his native land through music, and in 1995, he was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his huge contribution to the musical wealth of South Africa. A giant of the Durban jazz scene, he played bass with such seminal bands as Spirits Rejoice and Sakhile before becoming an accomplished solo artist. An innovative and diverse performer, Sipho - pronounced "See-po" - was renowned for marrying jazz with traditional rhythms.

Sipho died in 2004 from lung cancer shortly after reuniting Sakhile with Mabi Thobejane and Kaya Mahlangu. —Courtesy Calabash Music