Tshifhiwa Patrick “Mr Jazz” Nephawe, the legendary broadcaster of SABC Radio station PhalaPhala FM, has passed on. The sad news was confirmed by his daughter Rita Dee Nephawe on Friday evening.
“I slept in tears last night, I never thought this day would come. Yesterday you were happy and I thought we were still going to be together forever. My Hero has fallen. It still feels like a dream. I will always love you even in death. The Legend has fallen. Bra Peto, Mr Jazz Jazz,” wrote Rita as she paid tribute to her father.
Details surrounding his death have not been officially communicated but Limpopo Chronicle has established that Nephawe passed on after a short illness.
PATRICK “MR JAZZ” NEPHAWE HAS PASSED ON
Nephawe is a veteran presenter of SABC Radio Phalaphala FM. He started his radio career at the then Radio Thohoyandou in 1980. In a career spanning 43 years, Nephawe improved his skills by presenting various programmes.
He has worked with pioneers such as Petros Vhangani Makwarela, Avhapfani Mudau, Mbulaheni Tshikororo, Mukulumedzi Dali, Vusani Ramabulana and Ms Thiambiwi Madzivhandila.
Radio Thohoyandou started off by broadcasting six hours per day and later it became 24 hours. During the time, there was no specialization and Nephawe went on to present a variety of shows. This includes news anchoring and sports.
MR JAZZ JAZZ
But most importantly, he became known for his love for the Jazz genre. He started presenting a jazz show for the station in 1980. He also worked with a lot of young announcers such as Tuwani Gumani, Jimmy “The Scratcher”, Sydney Baloi, Lionel Myles, the late Monde Magagula and many more.
When Radio Thohoyandou ceased to exist, Nepahwe joined Phalaphala FM which is based in Polokwane. Together with Ms Mashudu Mabata, they presented the midnight show, Khoroni, which became popular with listeners and its format was copied by other SABC radio stations.
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He also continued presenting the jazz show, which was by now named Mutsindo wa Reggae. The programme contributed towards the formation of jazz chill sessions in various communities.
Known at the Phalaphala corridors as “Daddy”, Nephawe was an avid traveller. He has visited many countries as part of the station’s overseas tours project, such as Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Dubai, India, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Brazil, Britain, the United States of America and Israel.
The Family is yet to communicate the details of his memorial and funeral services.
May his Soul Rest in Peace.
