Madosini

Latozi Mpahleni (25 December 1943 – 23 December 2022), better known by her clan name Madosini, was a South African musician, singer, and cultural custodian. She was celebrated for her mastery of traditional Xhosa musical instruments such as the uhadi (gourd bow), umrhubhe (mouth bow), and isitolotolo (Jew's harp). Madosini was regarded as a "national treasure" and a leading figure in the preservation of Xhosa indigenous music.

Biography Madosini, the second-born child of her mother, Manjuza, showed an early interest in traditional Xhosa instruments. After being diagnosed with polio at the age of 12, her mother taught her to play the uhadi to comfort her, sparking a lifelong dedication to Xhosa music. Largely self-taught, Madosini did not receive formal education but devoted her life to perfecting Xhosa musical traditions under her mother's tutelage.

Career and musical legacy Madosini recorded her first album in 1974, contributing eight songs for a recording linked to an adaptation of Macbeth titled Maxhosa. Although she was paid only R8.00, her music gained popularity, particularly with the song Uthando Luphelile, which became a signature tune for Radio Xhosa (now Umhlobo Wenene FM).

Madosini's career spanned decades, during which she collaborated with a wide array of musicians, including South African artists Sibongile Khumalo, Ringo Madlingozi, Thandiswa Mazwai, Msaki, and the younger generation of uhadi instrument players such as Thandeka Mfinyongo, Dumama, Qhawekazi Giyose, Lindokuhle Matina, Mthwakazi, Sky Dladla, Odwa Bongo, just to name a few, as well as international stars such as Patrick Duff, Gilberto Gil, and composer Hans Huyssen, who wrote the oratorio Songs of Madosini performed during a sold-out European tour. She also performed at prestigious festivals, including WOMAD, where she was the first person documented in the festival's Musical Elders Archive Project. Her collaboration with musicians Hilton Schilder, Jonny Blundell, WhaWha Mosieu and Pedro Espi-Sanchis resulted in the recording of an African/Jazz fusion CD under the name of AmaThongo and various concerts around Africa. Madosini and Pedro performed together at many music festivals as well as story telling and poetry festivals around the world, notably the Medellin International Poetry Festival in Colombia.

Despite her success, Madosini remained committed to her cultural roots, dividing her time between her home in Langa, Cape Town, and Mkhankatho, where she supported her large extended family. In September 2022, she was formally honored by Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa's former Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture.