By Zuko Komisa
Philip Nchipi Tabane was a musical genius. He received a doctorate of Philosophy in Music degree from the The University of Venda in 1998. Born on 22 December 1947 at Ga-Ramotshegwa, Pretoria he started his musical journey at an early age he started playing guitar at the age of ten in 1943, he later learned how to play the flute, drums, and the Mbila, as well as the thumb piano which he picked from the Venda communities of Ga-Ramotshegwa.
He would grow up to form his own signature sound mixing ancient African rhythms with western instruments, at a young age he and his friends formed a trio called Malombo Jazzmen.

An all-around creative mostly self-taught Philip Nchipi Tabane was a multi-instrumentalist, spirited performer, playwright, poet, composer, music arranger, bandleader, philosopher.
Here is exclusive and unedited interview with Ntate Tabane shot in 2016.

We remember him for his artist expression, his thoughts and most importantly his music.
Robala ka gotso Dr Philip Nchipe Tabane – We salute you!



