Lesotho-born Nana Coyote, who died after a battle with pneumonia on 5 June, had shown that musical gifts could transcend borders through his wide-ranging collaborative work including with Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Benjamin Dube; Kelly Khumalo; DJ Cleo; Moses Khumalo; and Nhlanhla Nciza.

It was Coyote’s work with Stimela and on his own that earned this singer; songwriter; and performer an enduring place in the hearts of music fans all over Africa. Coyote’s talents had been spotted by Stimela’s Lloyd Lelosa and, later, Ray Phiri – and when Phiri left to tour with Paul Simon, it was Coyote who stepped into his considerable shoes and went on to record several albums with this now legendary southern African group.

His solo work additionally earned Coyote more fans and respect from his peers. Among his solo projects were the albums and singles: ‘Whirlwind Love Affair’; ‘Current (Uyainyova)’; ‘Who’s The Lord of the House?’; ‘Save the World’; ‘Vuku’zenzele’; ‘Joale Ke Nako’; and ‘Majaja’. More recently, Coyote had worked with Joe Nina and Steve Kekana (whom he performed with on the earlier classic hit ‘Take Your Love’ as The Trio – a powerful reminder of the formidable talent of these three musicians.

A humanitarian and always speaking up for the great results of cross-border African collaboration, Coyote’s death at the age of 55 is a real loss for Africa’s creative community.”