Sipho Gumede was a South African jazz musician and composer, born on April 17, 1952. He crafted his own guitar from a tin can at a young age. At 16, he met Cyril Magubane, who introduced him to various jazz masters and helped him secure work at the Jazz Revellers club. In 1970, Gumede moved to Johannesburg and formed the band Isintu. He later joined Gibson Kente for a national tour and formed the bands Roots and Spirit Rejoice. In 1992, he won an OKTV award for his solo album Thank you for Listening (1990). Notable albums include Ubuntu - Humanity (1996) and Blues for My Mother (1998). Gumede collaborated with Joe McBride on the album New Era (2000) and taught music in KwaZulu-Natal townships. He passed away on July 26, 2004.
