Today’s vibrant Google Doodle pays tribute to the South African legend, Todd Matshikiza, commemorating the enduring impact of his extraordinary life.
This animated tribute was crafted by South African artist Keith Vlahakis, serving as a heartfelt homage to Matshikiza’s magnum opus, the orchestral performance of the cantata “Uxolo” (meaning “peace”), which took place during the Johannesburg Festival on September 25, 1956.
But let’s delve deeper into the life of Todd Matshikiza.
Who Was Todd Matshikiza?
Todd Matshikiza was a multifaceted South African talent, distinguished as a pianist, composer, and journalist.
Born on March 7, 1921, into a musically inclined family in Queenstown, South Africa, Matshikiza’s father, a gifted organist, imparted piano skills to Todd and his six siblings, while his mother lent her vocal prowess to the family’s musical endeavors.
Matshikiza earned a music and teaching diploma from St. Peter’s College in Johannesburg, where his passion for music was nurtured. Following graduation, he found himself dividing his time between composing choral works and songs, including the renowned ‘Hamba Kahle,’ and working as an English and mathematics teacher.
It was in 1947 that Matshikiza achieved a significant milestone, establishing the Todd Matshikiza School of Music, a private institution where he predominantly taught piano and jazz music. However, this endeavor did not guarantee a steady income, leading him to take on additional roles as a bookkeeper and salesman to make ends meet.
In addition to his educational pursuits and musical endeavors, Matshikiza also became an integral part of the initial group of contributors to the Drum music magazine. His contributions included two popular columns—one exploring the evolution of jazz as a genre and the other delving into life in the township, both resonating deeply with readers.
Among his many accomplishments, Matshikiza is most celebrated for his musical compositions, with the iconic song ‘Quick in Love’ notably featured in the film ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,’ as well as his contributions to musicals like ‘Mkhumbane’ and ‘King Kong.’
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Brief Stint in England
In 1960, Matshikiza temporarily relocated to England, seeking respite from the ongoing Apartheid regime in South Africa, a period he documented in his autobiography, ‘Chocolates for My Wife.’
His decision to move to London was driven by the success of his musical, ‘King Kong,’ a production chronicling the life of the renowned heavyweight boxer Ezekiel Dlamini, also known as King Kong. The musical had captivated audiences and had a successful run in London’s West End in 1961.
However, Matshikiza’s time in England did not yield the artistic breakthrough he had hoped for. He struggled to make a significant mark on the local music scene. Subsequently, he relocated to Zambia, where he found employment at the Zambian Information Service as a music archivist, continuing to share his passion for music until his passing in 1968.
Todd Matshikiza’s legacy lives on through his music, writings, and enduring influence on South African culture, commemorated today in this vibrant Google Doodle.
Google Doodle Honors Todd Matshikiza: Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to South African icon Todd Matshikiza, celebrating his lasting impact on society.
Crafted by South African Artist: The animated tribute was created by South African artist Keith Vlahakis, serving as a heartfelt homage to Matshikiza’s most significant work, the orchestral performance of the cantata “Uxolo” during the Johannesburg Festival in 1956.
Todd Matshikiza’s Background: Matshikiza was a versatile South African talent, known for his roles as a pianist, composer, and journalist.
Early Life and Education: Born on March 7, 1921, into a musically gifted family in Queenstown, South Africa, Matshikiza received piano lessons from his father, an accomplished organist, and his mother contributed her vocal talents to their family’s musical pursuits. He earned a music and teaching diploma from St. Peter’s College in Johannesburg.
Diverse Career: After graduation, Matshikiza balanced composing choral works and songs, including the famous ‘Hamba Kahle,’ with his work as an English and mathematics teacher. In 1947, he founded the Todd Matshikiza School of Music, primarily teaching piano and jazz music. He also took on additional roles as a bookkeeper and salesman to supplement his income.
Contributions to Drum Magazine: Matshikiza became part of the initial group of contributors to the Drum music magazine, where he wrote two popular columns—one on the evolution of jazz as a genre and another on life in the township, both resonating with readers.
Musical Legacy: Matshikiza is renowned for his musical compositions, with ‘Quick in Love’ featured in the film ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,’ and his contributions to musicals like ‘Mkhumbane’ and ‘King Kong.’
Brief Stay in England: In 1960, Matshikiza temporarily relocated to England to escape the Apartheid regime in South Africa, driven by the success of his musical ‘King Kong.’ However, his time in England did not yield the artistic breakthrough he had hoped for.
Relocation to Zambia: Matshikiza later moved to Zambia, where he worked as a music archivist for the Zambian Information Service until his passing in 1968.
Enduring Legacy: Todd Matshikiza’s legacy lives on through his music, writings, and his enduring influence on South African culture, celebrated today through the vibrant Google Doodle.
