This is a tribute song, Usishiyile, recorded and released by Satta frika Soundstation producer, Itesman (Andile Poswa) in memory of the life of Bobo Mhlawuli aka Ras Magnficent.
Title: Usishiyile -Tribute to Junior Magnificent
Artiste: Andile Poswa aka ItesMan
Label: Satta frika Sound Station
August 2015
Ras Magnificent [1980 – 2015]
When he came to Gtown like a thief and sat without being noticed, he concentrated on his daily affair, hustling at Rhodes in Gate, armed with varied yet rare stock of T-shirts and that wicked yet lovable smile- he would tell you bout how Zorro did this and Jesse Don did that or Crosby and D Dillinger! didnt do that. Wait until he unearthed his lyrical sword, this pint size giant alongside Jahkongo became indomitable lions on Mzansi reggae history and musical stage.
He doubled as performer and host and videographer when LkJ came to town. He was also the founding member of Zayan Roots Band.
When death and sickness crept in quietly, he was not ready to die but live up, he recorded, he performed, he went out and did whatever he wanted to do. He chase a bunch of rasta brethrens who wanted to pray for him since he was sick and he told them straight,” next time you want to do something for me, ask me first” He gave us his first EP, To de Most High which was recorded by a Cape town based musician and Producer, Scratch. He was one of the names he always remembered and gave credit whenever we talked about reggae.
In his frail frame he successfully finished recording his Outa Garrison album at Satta Frika and gave five copies to few exclusive people who were close to his heart.
Now he is no more my heart is sore
He was so late for One Blood show 2014
We thought he was putting on makeup
while we wait on his door step
What he did on that stage,
almost stole the show under Jahkongo’s nose
For that we forgave him for his punctuality or lack of
Now that s gone
who will father his pickeney?
Who will perform his chunes?
Who love his baby mama and press
who will carry forward the spear of this fallen soldier?
On behalf of Gtown reggae massive
to our Junior ‘Maginyi fice cent’ Magnificent, breddah,gone too soon,
Jah thanks for him life and inspiration.
Abanye Abanye abakubonanga kwaye abakuvanga, sakuqinisekisa ukuba ingoma zakho zakuqaqamba zibe sisibane
ematyotyombeni nakwabo basweleyo
long live me brethren
by Khaya Thonjeni
First published on Struggle Online.
