Ace Durban singer, guitarist and songwriter Syd Kitchen has died. Syd faced a tough battle against lung cancer, which had spread to his liver and lymph glands.
Famous for albums such as City Child and Africa’s Not for Sissies, for which he always managed to assemble the very best available musicians, Syd recently released Fool In A Bubble to critical acclaim. He was also known for his ground-breaking collaborations with, among many others, the likes of Madala Kunene, Tony Cox, Greg Georgiades and Steve Newman.
Syd was a hard-working live performer (for three decades), featured at all the major local festivals (he was an absolute legend at Splashy Fen) and regularly toured overseas. He also taught and lectured music, opening up a world of music to many who themselves became talented performers.
Social networking site Facebook was peppered with tributes to Syd today, while music lovers rushed to his Facebook page to post their comments and wishes online. – Staff Reporter
City Press interview with Syd Kitchen: Syd’s no sissy about death
6 Comments
May you eternally rest in peace Syd – legend of all music concerts!
I had the honour of visiting the guitar shop that Syd has opened and, trust me, it was like a place of worship for music lovers. May his soul rest in peace.
Thanks for the comments. Syd was a rare talent. My favourite album of his is still City Child, I recently purchased “Fool”, and I’ve also got Amakoologic knocking around, plus a copy of a Bafo Bafo EP. All good stuff, but “City Child” is magic.
To be so talented and remain so humble…you were a legend Syd! The good times are lodged in the memory bank until we all meet again.
I have heard of this only now. Its so saddening – what a talent. I was addicted to his solo guitar work.
Quite an interesting character Syd was, some of his earlier Folk songs were incredibly good. To me he had a kind of magneticsm after seeing his video’s recently, and I’m sorry I never got to know him more personally.I have watched him perform live briefly for only a song or two, and have spoken briefly with him on one occasion.RIP to his strong character and the way he lived his life, his way.