SA: Mi Casa’s Mo-T launches cancer awareness initiative

Mo-T, whose real name is Moshe Kgasoane, began the initiative after friends, heroes and his own beloved father lost their lives to cancer. The musician aims to bring awareness to men about undisclosed cancer-related issues.

The foundation will be supported through a series of black-tie music events entitled Blow Cancer Away, men’s health clinic affiliations and fundraising initiatives beginning in 2021. 

“With South African males being more historically reserved about their personal health issues, male-based cancers have been aggressively affecting some of our most important musical icons over the years,” a statement about the new initiative reads. “Hugh Masekela and Johnny Clegg were two legends whose passing deeply affected Mo-T.

“Not afraid to admit that he worries about cancer himself, he believes that being active and healthy can reduce one’s chances of falling sick, as well as being humble, positive and making the best of each day. Above all else, Mo believes that music is a great healer and putting a smile of people’s faces through song is what gets him up every day.”

Mo-T was born in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township in a family of musicians. He drew influence from the rich tradition of brass musicians that came before him in his lineage. His grandfather, Henry Kgasoane, was a lead saxophonist and founder of the multi-platinum-selling Alexandra Brass Band, which was one of the most influential groups on the 1950s jazz scene. He passed the knowledge to his son, Lehlara Kgasoane, who would go on to become an icon of the 1980s and 1990s musical era as the lead trumpeter for the legendary band Mango Groove.

It was at his grandfather’s funeral at the age of two that Mo-T first picked up a cornet and decided to follow in the Kgasoane legacy. By the age of 10 he was well on his way to being a proficient player, despite much of his success coming from self-taught means.