South African journalist, author, and musician Todd Matshikiza lived from 1920 to 1968. His most well-known work is the musical score for King Kong (1960), widely regarded as one of the best South African musicals ever produced.
In a musical family, Matshikiza was born in Queenstown, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. His mother sang soprano, and his father played the organ. The pianist and accordionist Matshikiza himself was gifted.
Matshikiza studied teaching at Lovedale College after completing his high school education. He taught math and English at high schools in Johannesburg and Alice after receiving his degree.
Who is Esme Matshikiza, Todd Matshikiza’s wife, and is she still alive?
Todd Matshikiza was married to Esme Sheila Mpama. She was 92 years old when she passed away in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2020. She was born in 1928 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
When Esme and Todd first met in 1947, she was a social work student. Marian Linda and John Anthony were their two children, and they were married in 1950.
Esme was a staunch ally of her husband’s professional endeavors. She offered him criticism and encouragement as she assisted him in editing his work. She was a gifted musician in her own right as well, and she frequently joined Todd’s band on stage.
