Veteran South African multi-instrumentalist Pops Mohamed has passed away at the age of 75. Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been confirmed.
Journalist and media trainer Gwen Ansell confirmed Mohamed’s passing in an obituary that reflected on his humble beginnings and his significant influence on South Africa’s music scene.
Artists and cultural figures took to social media to pay tribute. Cultural activist Guy Lieberman described him as “a purer soul you could not have met,” while SAMRO expressed condolences to his family and the broader music community, noting his legacy of over 20 albums and a lifelong commitment to mentorship and creative freedom.
London-based composer Eugene Skeef wrote that Mohamed’s music, particularly his kora melodies, would continue to inspire listeners, while activist Firdoze Bulbulia reflected on his generosity and depth of commitment to African music and culture.
Mohamed’s work was featured by the Music In Africa Foundation in 2020 at the Vibrations concert, where he collaborated with artists such as Morena Leraba and Sibusile Xaba. MIAF Projects Manager Violet Maila described him as a custodian of cultural memory whose dedication to preserving African instruments and traditions will inspire future generations.
Born in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, Mohamed’s career spanned more than four decades. He began in his teenage years with The Les Valiants, gained recognition with Children’s Society, and later released acclaimed albums including Kalamazoo, Sophiatown Society and the award-winning Ancestral Healing. His music blended traditional African sounds with jazz, funk, trance and drum ’n’ bass.
During the 1990s, his collaborations with San communities in the Kalahari produced some of his most influential recordings, including How Far Have We Come. He toured widely across Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States while advocating for the preservation and evolution of indigenous music.
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