Media Alert: Loss of a Western Cape icon – Zayn Adams

Statement by Theuns Botha, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of one of South Africa’s musical legends, Zayn Adams.

Zayn was one of the hardest-working musicians in our country, with a career that spanned over 50 years. He started performing professionally at the age of 15 years when he joined the Golden City Dixies carnival show and he shot to stardom from there.

He was one of the ground breakers when it came to music and he played an important role in cultivating and nurturing a truly Cape culture. He was a true Western Cape icon who brought people together through his music. Even though he faced challenges in the apartheid times, he never stopped performing.

Zayn made great strides on the jazz scene.

Zayn was a role model to so many young artists who were just starting out in their careers. He was a great ambassador for the Western Cape and we say: “Thank you for the music, Zayn”.

Our thoughts are with Zayn’s family and friends during this difficult time.