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BORN in District Six, Cape Town, the late Basil Coetzee rose to prominence through his 1974 recording work with Abdullah Ibrahim (then Dollar Brand). The composition Manenberg became an all-time SA jazz classic, and is one of the most internationally renowned pieces of music emanating from the southern tip of Africa.
After the departure of many of his musical partners for exile, Coetzee remained in SA and weathered the lean years, working in a shoe factory through the 1970's and into the early '80's. Coetzee became active performing again in the early 1980's, playing at numerous UDF concerts and rallies. In 1986 he formed the band Sabenza, once again asserting a presence on the South African jazz circuit. He was also a founder member of Cape Town music school, MAPP.
In 1988 he toured Europe, and released his album Sabenza. Later, the album Monwabisi.
Instrumentation:
Saxophone, flute
Genre:
African Jazz, jazz, klopse / goema
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Since the return from exile of Abdullah Ibrahim, Coetzee regularly performed in Ibrahim's various ensembles. The band Sabenza is active on the local scene, and regularly features bassist Paul Abrahams, guitarist James Kibby, and drummer Vic Higgins.
Coetzee lived in Rocklands, Mitchell's Plain.
He passed away 11 March 1998.
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