The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has learned with deep sadness about the passing away of its Esteemed Council member, Advocate Dr Steve Kekana.

This is a big blow to the industry and particularly the NAC because Adv. Kekana had just been recently appointed to the NAC Council by the Honourable Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

Responding to the sad news, the Chairperson of the National Arts Council, Princess Celenhle Dlamini, said “We are all still at a loss for words. Dr Kekana was an active member of Council who contributed so much to the entity. As a Council we were still expecting to learn a lot from an art legend of his calibre. Dr Kekana played a monumental role in contributing towards the transformation and development of the sector”. We have lost a true and committed leader.

To date, the legendary musician and advocate has reportedly recorded more than 40 albums and worked with the likes of Ray Phiri, Nana Coyote, Joe Nina and Hotline featuring PJ Powers.

In November 2020, Dr Kekana was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy (HC) by the University of South Africa (Unisa). This award recognised the combined value of his stardom and impact on society.

The NAC Staff and Council wish to express their sincere condolences to his family and the arts fraternity.