Acclaimed trumpeter Brian Thusi has died

Jazz musician‚ scholar and producer Dr Nhlanhla Brian Thusi has died.

His family confirmed that Thusi died following kidney failure at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital on Tuesday night. He had been admitted on Monday after complications from a routine dialysis.

Family spokesperson Vukani Mbhele said in a statement: “A scholar and lover of arts‚ he performed at Soul Jazz Festival in Richards Bay‚ on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast‚ last Saturday‚ sharing the platform with Chris Walker and Regina Belle‚ delivering a thrilling performance as always.

“On Monday‚ he went for his routine dialysis‚ but later developed complications. He was then admitted to hospital‚ although not showing signs of being seriously ill. The following day he was put on life support and sadly passed on. As a family‚ we find it hard to accept that he is gone.”

Mbhele said he was a loving husband‚ father‚ grandfather and community builder.

“He was very passionate about developing young talent and loved his craft‚ as he spent most of his time perfecting his talents. He will be sorely missed for his carefree attitude‚ always cracking jokes. He loved people‚ always socialising easily with anyone‚ no matter what social status they occupied.”