We have lost a giant, a friend and an exceptional human being. I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Quincy Jones, a mentor and a dear friend of mine and South Africa for over 40 years.
I first met Quincy in the mind 1980’s when I was making PLACE OF WEEPING, my first anti-apartheid film and we communicated extensively, while his love for South Africa and its music began when he worked with Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu on the music of the epic series, ROOTS. He was always available for advice, time and connections as I progressed in my film career. Over the years we developed a close bond of friendship which extended to my family.
He was my guiding light as I embarked upon the production of SARAFINA! and also helped in my relationships with Whoopi Goldberg, who he brought to the big screen, with the COLOUR PURPLE. When I acquired the rights to make the film adaptation of SARAFINA! from Mbongeni Ngema, he kindly introduced us to his network of people, particularly creatives, which helped us produce a world-class film in South Africa. This led to a distribution partnership with Warner Bros, where he had his production home. His support extended to many other films, including CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY and MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.
We regularly attended the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos and in January 2000, he was bestowed with the Forum’s Crystal Award, and I was humbled when I was honoured with the same award was a year later. It was a huge privilege for me when he graciously wrote the foreword to my memoirs in 2021.
We shared many wonderful times and memories together around the world – London, Beijing, New York and Los Angeles. During his visits to South Africa, we always hosted a get-together to meet with old friends among whom were the late Hugh Masekela as well as Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu. His love and friendship for Madiba and Graca, Kathy and Barbara and so many other South Africans, are well known. He wrote the song “Madiba” for his 80th birthday and the original music sheet and lyrics hang at Sanctuary Mandela in Johannesburg.
His passing leaves a huge void in our lives, and we will miss him dearly. His creative genius, commitment and contribution to the entertainment industry is unparalleled. His humility, integrity and moral values were his strength, especially in the complex and egotistical world in which he succeeded. He was a pioneer in breaking new ground, trail blazing through every aspect of the industry where people of colour had never had the opportunity.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Quincy’s family and friends and send them strength and fortitude during these difficult days as they come to terms with their loss.
Anant Singh
Durban, South Africa
4 November 2024
