Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Gloria Bosman: A personal reflection on the loss of a SA jazz great

24/03/2023

Gloria Bosman: A personal reflection on the loss of a SA jazz greatThrough her limitless spirit, Gloria teaches us that the relationship between us and music is transcendent.

by The Conversation

24-03-2023 15:55

in Music

Gloria Bosman

Image sourced via Instagram @GloriaBosman

We have no idea what we have just lost. None. Prolific singer, composer and educator Gloria Bosman, who passed away on 14 March 2023, was someone I could only describe as South Africa's most interactive artistic archive. Interactive not because she housed so much knowledge about the unique relationship between music and South Africans as a people, but also because she transmitted this knowledge to others at every opportunity. If you ever found yourself in the same room with Gloria, you were in for a lesson of a lifetime.

--

As a trained jazz vocalist, songwriter and senior lecturer, I have been preoccupied with studying women in the South African jazz tradition. I was at first reluctant to write about Gloria as I didn't consider her and I to have been close . I've only ever written about South African musician and activist Miriam Makeba as a lifelong subject of my research, as well as South African singer and cultural activist Sibongile Khumalo, who was a mother to me. Perhaps I lack the range to write about others, I told myself. But a friend and colleague convinced me when she said, You may not have been close, but you were there. This I could not deny: I was witness to Gloria's life and work.

Besides being vocalists, we shared something else in common. We had a deep and close relationship with the late Sibongile Khumalo, who always affectionately referred to Gloria by her Xhosa name, uNosikhumbuzo. I didn't do this as it would have been over-familiar.

Gloria Bosman was the quintessential example of artistic diversity, not only in the multiplicity of genres she performed in but in her uncanny ability to transform any space or gathering into a teaching moment.

--

ALSO READ: Pretty Yende: An opera star with a voice that shatters glass ceilings

VOCAL CRAFTSMAN In my days as a young jazz singing student, Gloria's album Stop and Think (2002) was a staple of my study recordings at a time when South African repertoire was not largely prescribed in the academic programme. This album - alongside Khumalo's Live at the Market Theatre (1998) and South African jazz singer Judith Sephuma's A Cry, A Smile, A Dance (2001) - served as profound entry points to the unique attributes of South African jazz singing. I was struck by Gloria's impeccable intonation and a voice I was convinced had never met a wrong note.

Gloria was trained as an opera singer at the Tshwane University of Technology from 1994 to 1996. Her voice had a husk that glided effortlessly over the blues characterised by her cheeky style of diction. She was a marvel to listen to. Her vocal range was one every jazz singer dreams of, one that transitions between registers without so much as a crackle. She could sing everything. It was no wonder she moved between jazz, pop, rock, classical, cabaret and gospel with ease. She meticulously applied appropriate vocal techniques to the different styles of music with a level of detail only a craftsman could execute.

--

ALSO READ: SA opera singer Pretty Yende to perform at King Charles III's coronation

OUTSPOKEN Over the years, Gloria and I often interacted at jazz festivals and other industry events. We sat together on judging panels at music competitions and shared many moments of banter underscored by good wine and live music. She was genuine by nature, quick to praise and slow to criticise.

And she spoke her mind. In 2021, in a discussion hosted by International Jazz Day South Africa to commemorate Human Rights Day, Gloria was one of the panellists. In response to a question around preparing for the talk, she said: You cannot prepare the truth. It was in this webinar that she emphasised the importance of black people writing not only about themselves but about each other. She lambasted the notion of travellers writing about places they've only just passed through.

As tough and boisterous as she could be, Gloria also had a soft shell. After performing at Khumalo's funeral, she collapsed in my arms and wept. This moment revealed her humanness.

ALSO READ: Gloria Bosman was more than a South African jazz vocalist

IN THE ACADEMY In 2021, Gloria enrolled at the University of Cape Town's South African College of Music to study jazz. She vehemently declined to start at postgraduate level, which she could have done because she had already studied music and had an expansive artistic footprint both locally and internationally.

I had the honour of teaching her jazz improvisation in a class where most if not all her classmates were less than half her age. They all adored her. Carly Barendilla said: Gloria will never understand the impact she's had in my life. She encouraged me and reminded me that there's a space for me in this world. Fellow classmate Marzia Barry echoed this: We were starstruck at first but by the end of the first class, we were all laughing at the stories Gloria shared with us.

Gloria was incredibly generous with her knowledge and always offered support to her fellow classmates, often engaging them in debates that were enriching and eye-opening to them as a younger generation. While I was the lecturer, she was the teacher. She was never insecure, and she most certainly didn't indulge any kind of imposter syndrome. She became a part of the community of young musicians, often taking part in jam sessions around the city.

ALSO READ: Told you so? Prophet claims he predicted Gloria Bosman's death

GLORIA'S INFLUENCE It is important that the voices of young people are represented as we pay tribute and remember t
LINK: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/gloria-bosman-a-personal...
See more stories from thesouthafrican

More from The South African

06/06/2023

Streaming TODAY: New streaming releases on 6 June 2023

Streaming TODAY: New streaming releases on 6 June 2023Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your favourite p...

06/06/2023

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Like a raging bull, Charles unleashes hell on Rathebe

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Like a raging bull, Charles unleashes hell on RathebeFind out what's going on tonight on Skeem Saam!. Skeem Saam episodes airs on SA...

06/06/2023

Tonight on Generations: Nozipho is floored by what she finds at the B&B

Tonight on Generations: Nozipho is floored by what she finds at the B&BKeen to know what's happening on the latest episode of Generations: The Legacy?. Gene...

06/06/2023

Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac is inspired by an unlikely source

Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac is inspired by an unlikely sourceDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of House of Zwide and Catc...

06/06/2023

Tonight on Uzalo: Gabisile unleashes her heart and emotions on radio and InstaLive

Tonight on Uzalo: Gabisile unleashes her heart and emotions on radio and InstaLi...

06/06/2023

Tonight on The River: Lindiwe realises she's going to have to make a hard decision to heal her family

Tonight on The River: Lindiwe realises she's going to have to make a hard de...

06/06/2023

Tonight on Scandal: Ndu receives a message from the afterlife.

Tonight on Scandal: Ndu receives a message from the afterlife.Get to know what's happening on tonight's episode!. Scandal episodes airs on e.tv Mondays ...

06/06/2023

Tonight on Gomora: MK continues her shenanigans with Sizwe

Tonight on Gomora: MK continues her shenanigans with SizweDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of Gomora, and watch the latest ep...

06/06/2023

African Proverb of the day: 06 June 2023

African Proverb of the day: 06 June 2023An African proverb reflects and reveals a community's culture that provides a glimpse into its value systems, belief...

06/06/2023

Poem of the day: Although You're Gone

Poem of the day: Although You're GoneA poem a day keeps the soul awake! For the most soulful, authentically African poetry on the internet, check out Poem o...

06/06/2023

How hip-hop learned to call out homophobia

How hip-hop learned to call out homophobiaIn the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, a significant shift is taking place as the genre confronts its history of h...

06/06/2023

Prison Journalism: Black history

Prison Journalism: Black historyJeffrey Shockley is a writer serving a life sentence in the State Correctional Institution-Fayette in Pennsylvania. by Jeffrey...

05/06/2023

The River live updates: The Dlamini family witnesses Andile at his worst

The River live updates: The Dlamini family witnesses Andile at his worstWhat's new on The River? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your...

05/06/2023

Fatal Seduction': Netflix drops teaser trailer for SA's new series

Fatal Seduction': Netflix drops teaser trailer for SA's new seriesNetflix has released the teaser trailer for upcoming South African steamy series Fata...

05/06/2023

Tonight on Gqeberha: Anathi has a life changing decision to make

Tonight on Gqeberha: Anathi has a life changing decision to makeDon't miss tonight's episode of Gqeberha: The Empire, and watch the latest episode on Mz...

05/06/2023

Tonight on Muvhango: Vhutshilo resigns

Tonight on Muvhango: Vhutshilo resignsDon't miss out on the latest drama in Muvhango! Muvhango episodes airs on SABC2 from Mondays to Fridays at 21h00. by ...

05/06/2023

Tonight on 7de Laan: Tjattas advises Zee to correct people's misperceptions

Tonight on 7de Laan: Tjattas advises Zee to correct people's misperceptionsDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of 7de Laan a...

05/06/2023

Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka gets a surprise visitor

Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka gets a surprise visitorDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of House of Zwide and Catch the lates...

05/06/2023

Beloved geese die after being fed prescription pills

Beloved geese die after being fed prescription pillsThe deaths of the Canada geese were a blow to incarcerated men at the Colorado prison where the birds had ta...

05/06/2023

7de Laan live updates: Tjattas advises Zee to correct people's misperceptions

7de Laan live updates: Tjattas advises Zee to correct people's misperception...

05/06/2023

Skeem Saam live updates: Meikie is moved by John warming up to her cousin

Skeem Saam live updates: Meikie is moved by John warming up to her cousinWhat's new on Skeem Saam? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on yo...

05/06/2023

GENERATIONS: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]

GENERATIONS: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Generations ? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Generations soapie right ...

05/06/2023

House of Zwide live updates: Soka gets a surprise visitor

House of Zwide live updates: Soka gets a surprise visitorWhat's new on House of Zwide? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite ...

05/06/2023

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Skeem Saam soapie right here...

05/06/2023

Gomora live updates: Tshiamo gets an unexpected story and dress from Gladys

Gomora live updates: Tshiamo gets an unexpected story and dress from GladysWhat's new on Gomora? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your...

05/06/2023

Dave Matthews Band is coming to South Africa in 2023

Dave Matthews Band is coming to South Africa in 2023Fans of iconic musicians Dave Matthews Band are in for a treat after the band announced that they are headin...

05/06/2023

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of uzalo? No problem! Just watch all the latest episodes of uzalo soapie right here, don'...

05/06/2023

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Scandal ? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Scandal soapie right here. Don...

05/06/2023

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of House of Zwide? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of House of Zwide soapie right her...

05/06/2023

Generations - The Legacy live updates:MaKhumalo tries to get Ayanda to do her dirty work for her

Generations - The Legacy live updates:MaKhumalo tries to get Ayanda to do her di...

05/06/2023

Muvhango: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Tonight's episode, 5 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Muvhango? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Muvhango soapie right here,don&#...

05/06/2023

Muvhango live updates: Vhutshilo resigns

Muvhango live updates: Vhutshilo resignsWhat's new on Muvhango? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite television show with Th...

05/06/2023

Uzalo live updates: Tension within the Mhlongos continue to linger

Uzalo live updates: Tension within the Mhlongos continue to lingerWhat's new on Uzalo? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite ...

05/06/2023

Winter watching: What to expect on National Geographic this June

Winter watching: What to expect on National Geographic this JuneFrom Lawless Island' season six to World Oceans Month' here's what to expect on Na...

05/06/2023

Uganda's Ghetto Kids make Britain's Got Talent history

Uganda's Ghetto Kids make Britain's Got Talent historyThe recent success of the Ghetto Kids, on Britain's Got Talent has shed light on the issue of ...

05/06/2023

Tonight on The River: The Dlamini family witnesses Andile at his worst

Tonight on The River: The Dlamini family witnesses Andile at his worstWatch tonight's episode of The River and catch the latest episode every weekday at 20:...

05/06/2023

Tonight on Generations: MaKhumalo tries to get Ayanda to do her dirty work for her

Tonight on Generations: MaKhumalo tries to get Ayanda to do her dirty work for h...

05/06/2023

Tonight on Uzalo: Tension within the Mhlongos continue to linger

Tonight on Uzalo: Tension within the Mhlongos continue to lingerDon't get left behind, catch up on Uzalo now! Episodes of Uzalo air on SABC1 from Mondays to...

05/06/2023

Tonight on Scandal: New information threatens to foil a woman's plan, so she pulls another trick

Tonight on Scandal: New information threatens to foil a woman's plan, so she...

05/06/2023

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Meikie is moved by John warming up to her cousin

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Meikie is moved by John warming up to her cousinFind out what's going on tonight on Skeem Saam!. Skeem Saam episodes airs on SABC1 Mo...

05/06/2023

Tonight on Gomora: Tshiamo gets an unexpected story and dress from Gladys

Tonight on Gomora: Tshiamo gets an unexpected story and dress from GladysDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of Gomora, and watc...

05/06/2023

African Proverb of the day: 05 June 2023

African Proverb of the day: 05 June 2023An African proverb reflects and reveals a community's culture that provides a glimpse into its value systems, belief...

05/06/2023

Poem of the day: One Morning

Poem of the day: One MorningA poem a day keeps the soul awake! For the most soulful, authentically African poetry on the internet, check out Poem of the day. b...

05/06/2023

Manifest' season four part two: Four bombshells from part one

Manifest' season four part two: Four bombshells from part oneBefore you binge Manifest' season four part two, here are five bombshells to catch up on p...

05/06/2023

The South African Student Film Competition 2023: VOTE for the winner

The South African Student Film Competition 2023: VOTE for the winnerThe South African website called on film students around the country to get creative and w...

04/06/2023

Poem of the day: The Will To Win

Poem of the day: The Will To WinA poem a day keeps the soul awake! For the most soulful, authentically African poetry on the internet, check out Poem of the day...

04/06/2023

Penuel the Black Pen makes his Top 20 Best SA Hip-hop Tracks of All Time

Penuel the Black Pen makes his Top 20 Best SA Hip-hop Tracks of All TimeMany are agreeing with Penuel's BEST Top 20 SA Hip-hop tracks of all time, including...

04/06/2023

African Proverb of the day: 04 June 2023

African Proverb of the day: 04 June 2023An African proverb reflects and reveals a community's culture that provides a glimpse into its value systems, belief...

03/06/2023

African Proverb of the day: 03 June 2023

African Proverb of the day: 03 June 2023An African proverb reflects and reveals a community's culture that provides a glimpse into its value systems, belief...

03/06/2023

Poem of the day: The Beauty Of A Tree

Poem of the day: The Beauty Of A TreeA poem a day keeps the soul awake! For the most soulful, authentically African poetry on the internet, check out Poem of th...