Before he died, famous disabled mbila music player Andries Ntshengedzeni Mamphodo (72) requested that he should be buried at his home, just behind his house.

His wish was fulfilled when thousands of family members, friends, traditional leaders, musicians and community members braved the rainy weather to pay their last respects to this hero at Lwamondo-Tshivhale village on Saturday morning.

Mamphodo collapsed in Pretoria after a recording session with renowned Cuban jazz musician Omar Sosa.

Although he was born without legs, the multi-talented Mamphodo was an inspiration to many people, both young and old. His childhood friend, Kanakana Netshifhefhe, said during the funeral that Mamphodo was a gifted person who did not want to be treated differently. "We used to walk long distances together and he would never complain or ask for any assistance. He was also a good swimmer who crossed full rivers with ease. He could also cut tree trunks and made mituli (wooden instrument used to grind mealies) without any assistance. He was also a skilled tshikona drum player, who impressed everyone with his skills. To show that he was talented, his peers, including myself, tried to play the mbila, but we failed. He could thatch grass roofs, establish vegetable gardens and fetch water from the river.”

When addressing mourners, local traditional leader Vho-Mulindathavha Netshivhale said the village had lost a giant who would always be remembered for his good work. “Many people used to come to his home to conduct research on indigenous music. He was also a resource person for this village on many aspects and we used to get lots of advice from him. He has put this little village on the South African map and we hope someone from the family will take over from where he has left off.”

Representing his children, Khathutshelo Mamphodo of Tshivhilingana fame said that he had taught them to love one another. "We will continue to love another in order to uphold his legacy."

Musician Solomon Mathase, who launched his career with Mamphodo, said that he “taught me to be creative, hardworking and tolerant. Gifted artists of his caliber are in short supply and I doubt if we will get anybody to fill his shoes.”

Born on 20 March 1943, Mamphodo was the first-born of three children. He attended primary school at Maphuphe and later went to work in a butchery in Gauteng. At the time of his death, Mamphodo was still using the 56-year-old 22-piece mbila instrument that he had made himself in 1960. During his lifetime, Mamphodo recorded seven mbila music albums. His first album was recorded at Gallo Recording Studios in Johannesburg in 1970. His recognition awards include the Dimbanyika Prestigious Award, Ndaedzo Community Awards and the Mapungubwe Achievement Award. He is survived by his two wives, Phophi and Alidzulwi, seven children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Pastor Daniel Chauke of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church read the scriptures while Mamphodo’s coffin was lowered to his final resting place.