Press Release
Immediate Release
Released by the wRite associates – 18 June 2019
The Miriam Tlali Reading and Book Club will discuss the trail of the mysterious suicide of a 27-year-old prodigal pianist, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, a book, “To the peace on Earth”, by arts journalist and musician Mr Struan Douglas, 22nd June 2019 at 74 Mimosa Road, Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg, 13H00 to 15H00.
Piano wizard Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, died in 2001 under a cloud of controversy. He was found hanging from a piano cord tied to a beam in their downtown Johannesburg office. His wife Florece Mtoba was found dead on the floor close by.
The case remains unsolved. At that time, news reports said he appeared to have been trapped in a web of drugs, a stormy marriage and financial problems.
The passing of Molelekwa shocked South Africans, particularly because this great jazz musician was only just beginning his journey in music. His passing has created a deep sense of mystery as to how a soul so calm could be tormented to a point of ending its life, and apparently that of a loved one, so tragically.
The book portrays a fascinating, yet mysterious, plunge into the spirituality surrounding the music industry in South Africa, and why all is not always rosy in the perceived healing abilities of this form of art.
The story leads into dark passages to reveal truths: gory outcomes as some musicians submit to too much stress; a realisation that jazz may not heal but do the opposite. Douglas sites examples where the creative wizardry succumbs to devilish forces: like the deaths of pianist Moses Molelekwa and saxophonist Moses Khumalo, where mental illness, drugs, and other demons can take hold.
Prize winning author and translator Mr Winston Mohapi will facilitate the discussion. The Miriam Tlali Reading and Book Club’s primary goal has always been to cultivate the reading and writing culture in the country and they define themselves as a place for those who read for pleasure, knowledge, enlightenment and fulfilment, while also celebrating the social aspects of reading.
Book clubs make important contributions to the national discourse: a natural platform for intense discussions and are the vanguard of promoting fresh, energetic and exciting South African voices. Said Ms Sindiswa Seakhoa, the Book Club Convener.
The book will be available for sale in hard cover (R350) and soft cover (R200).
Attendance is free but confirmation of attendance is compulsory. For attendance: innocent@writeassociates.co.za For interviews: media@writeassociates.co.za