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DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, May 30, 2005: Today South Africa mourns the loss of one of her most popular sons. Renowned percussionist Magendran Moodley, 38 years old, passed away after a courageous 12 year battle with cancer. A worthy torch-bearer of the rich cultural legacy left behind by his late guru Shri Gopalan Govender, Magendran forged a magical musical path of his very own when he energized jazz fusion ensembles with the use of traditional Indian drums, the tabla and mridangam. He was a founding member of the University of Natal’s jazz fusion group Mosaic, and he travelled extensively all over the world sharing his music and his trademark humility and gentle nature. Undeterred by the nature of his debilitating illness, he could be found at temples on Sivarathri night, determinedly accompanying singers on the mridangam. He continued teaching youth Indian classical music. South African Indians were blessed to have him influence a cultural renaissance. He is survived by his loving wife, siblings, extended family, and a legion of students and fans. Cultural Impressario Shri T. P. Naidoo commenting on the tragic loss said: “God bless his soul, we were gifted to have had such a ‘sun’ in our midst. His radiance will always lessen our sorrow whenever we think of him.”

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