Todd Matshikiza

Todd Matshikiza
Born7 March 1921
Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Died4 March 1968(1968-03-04) (aged 46)
Lusaka, Zambia
EducationAdams College;
Lovedale Institute
Occupation(s)Jazz pianist, composer and journalist
Known forComposing the score of the musical King Kong

Todd Tozama Matshikiza OMSS (7 March 1921 – 4 March 1968) was a South African jazz pianist, composer and journalist. As a journalist, he was a contributor to the innovative South African magazine Drum, in which he wrote in a unique style that came to be known as "Matshikese". He is also known for his book "Chocolates for my Wife", an autobiographical account of his experiences in South Africa and England. As a musician, Matshikiza is celebrated for composing the score of the jazz musical King Kong, as well as numerous choral works in South African traditional style, notably "Hamba Kahle". His legacy was celebrated as a Google Doodle on 25 September 2023.


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