Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse Honors the Late Musical Maestro Tony Cedras
Tony Cedras, a versatile musician known for his skills on the accordion, harmonium, keyboard, guitar, and trumpet, passed away at the age of 72 earlier this week. Born in Elsies River, Cape Town, Cedras left a profound impact on the music industry, captivating audiences with his exceptional talents.
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While the cause of his death remains unknown, the music community mourns the loss of this “giant of a man.” Cedras, renowned for his trumpet proficiency, caught the attention of the late Hugh Masekela, and the two shared the stage, showcasing their musical synergy.
Cedras collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba, Henry Threadgill, Muhal Richard Abrams, Cassandra Wilson, and Tony Bird. His breakthrough came under the mentorship of Paul Abrahams, the Pacific Express bass player, who enlisted him as a trumpet and keyboard player.
Even legendary musician Paul Simon recognized Cedras’s talent, inviting him on tour from 1987 to 2012. Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, a fellow musician and songwriter, reminisced about the memorable moments he shared with the ‘Yakal Nkomo’ star.
Mabuse, who first met Cedras in Botswana, expressed the joy of working with him, particularly during their tours with Paul Simon.
While Cedras’s musical influence extended internationally, Mabuse lamented the fact that he remained relatively unknown in his home country, especially among Capetonians. Describing Cedras as a “musician’s musician,” Mabuse emphasized the extraordinary talent that set him apart.
Martin Myers, a close friend and publicist, recalled his privilege of working with Cedras on several occasions. As the founder of the NPC Music Exchange, Myers highlighted Cedras’s proficiency in playing any instrument and referred to him as a “giant of a man.”
In a previous interview, Cedras shared humorous anecdotes from his experiences, including the ‘Graceland’ tour with Paul Simon and the release of his album ‘Love Letter To Cape Town.’ His legacy lives on through the music he created and the indelible mark he left on the industry.