South Africa mourns musician Gerald ‘Mac’ McKenzie

The news of his death was confirmed via social media by family spokesperson Keagan Fredericks who said McKenzie died on 29 April in Johannesburg. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald ‘Mac’ McKenzie, a cherished partner, father, grandfather, and very proudly a great grandfather, who left an indelible mark on our lives,” Fredericks said. “He will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his kindness, love, and joyful spirit. We are heartbroken by this immense loss, but we find comfort in the memories we shared with him and the love that will forever bind us together. We kindly request privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate his life.”

Music industry players took to social media to convey their condolences following news of the artist’s passing.

“It’s a sad day,” McKenzie’s long-time friend, collaborator and jazz photographer Iain Harris said. “We’ve lost a massive character and someone influential in music and in the city of Cape Town. Mac was an incredible distillation of all of human experience in all of its good and bad experiences. To be a part of Mac’s universe was this rush of experiencing all of consciousness all at the same time.”

According to Harris, Mac’s music possessed profound significance, importance and relevance within the context of human existence, with its impact expected to endure for generations to come.

Author and University of Basel historian Veit Arlt said: “I just learned about the passing of Gerald ‘Mac’ McKenzie this morning in Johannesburg. I am deeply saddened by this news. Mac was part of one of the first concerts with jazz from South Africa that I curated back in October 2004 which was followed by a string of projects.”

Music journalist Atiyyah Khan wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the great elder Mac McKkenzie, multi-instrumentalist, mentor and music pioneer in South Africa. There is so much to say about the ways in which Mac was iconic and unforgettable.”

According to South Africa Online, Mac McKenzie was a musical jack of all trades: a rocker, a jazzman, a goema pioneer and an extraordinary symphony composer. “His rough mix of musical styles and influences has made him a musical chameleon, never conforming to one specific music genre. In the 1980s, he became well-known on the jazz and rock circuit as the frontman for the band, The Genuines. In true rock-’n-roll fashion, the band travelled extensively throughout Europe spreading their brash, electric sound with traces of goema and a lot of attitude.”