Lovers of jazz in Durban in the 1980’s will remember the bluesy jazz of Josh Sithole who was resident musician for three years at the Coco de Mer at the Umhlanga Sands Hotel. He also worked at the old Elangeni Hotel’s Derby’s Corner and at the Westville Hotel.

A self-taught lead guitarist much respected for his professional attitude towards his work, Josh Sithole died in June at the age of 52 after suffering from bronchitis. He had performed with some of South Africa’s top jazz musicians before going solo in 1978. He had a long-term desire to build a studio in Gugulethu near Cape Town, where he lived during the latter part of his life. Unfortunately, this plan to teach music to townships youngsters was not to be realised.