The last Blue Note has fallen

But the legacy of Louis Moholo-Moholo roars on in sound, spirit and the giant of jazz's revolutionary rhythm

- Atiyyah Khan

Free jazz flowed through the streets of Langa when visiting the Moholo family home. Outside in the courtyard facing the street, Louis Tebogo Moholo-Moholo and his late wife Ma Mpumi would sit with visitors armed with a sound system and a speaker blasting some of the wildest avant-garde music at high volumes.

People walking in the street would come in to greet, while children were in and out of the yard, often being handed sweets.

The drummer — revolutionary, mentor and friend to many — died on the morning of Friday 13 June at the age of 85, sending sadness echoing throughout the jazz world.

Bra Louis, or Bra Tebz as he was often fondly referred to, was one of the greatest musicians in the world.

He lived with energy; a vibrant and fiery spirit that never stopped fighting for freedom and for uplifting the people of South Africa.

Those lucky enough to watch him perform over seven decades witnessed an intense passion that embodied freedom in every way.

"Yes baby, no baby!" he would often shout while playing, which audiences would shout back.

He was also very stylish with his Fedora hats and cool T-shirts (some of which he painted himself).

"We love you, we love you, you don't have to love us, but we love you!" was another famous saying.

These signature chants were known worldwide, as Moholo's reach was far beyond what we might imagine.

He lived and breathed music, in every possible way.

The Blue Notes

"That band was made in heaven," is what Moholo would say when talking about The Blue Notes, one of the finest bands in South African history, the members of which all died in exile. He was the last remaining one.

Moholo was born on 10 March 1940 in Langa, Cape Town. The street where the family lived was home to several musicians, including the great Christopher "Columbus" Ngcukana.