LEGENDARY jazz musician says he still feels lucky to be alive after being involved in a car accident.
Abbey Cindi (84) from Mamelodi in Tshwane told Daily Sun he was involved in a car accident in January 2023, when his white C-Class Mercedes-Benz crashed into another car.
Abbey is well-known as a founder member of Malombo Jazz Makers in Mamelodi around the 1960s. He said during the accident, his right ankle was dislocated.
He said the accident happened when he was travelling to the Pretoria CBD from Mamelodi. He said his car was badly damaged and he prayed to God to spare his life.
"I'm now strong and on top of the world," he said.
Abbey told Daily Sun he spent almost R16 000 to fix his car.
The legendary musician said it was his first accident since 1973 when he started driving.
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"I loved my Mercedes-Benz and it was like my baby," he said.
He said only death could separate him from music.
Abbey said his music company, Africa Music International (AMI) which he started in 2019, specialised in jazz, blues and African indigenous music.
He said in 2008, he released an album called United States of Africa and will continue releasing singles. He said his mission is to revive music which has been forgotten.
Abbey is doing rehearsals and has an office at Pretoria State Theatre where he said members help up-and-coming artists.
He said at the moment he's busy reviving Malombo Jazz Makers.
"Music is within me and I don't go dry. In fact, I grow younger rather than to deteriorate," said Abbey.
He said he has dedicated his life to music and continues pursuing music every day as he's unique and dreams differently. Abbey said he started doing Malombo Jazz in 1963 with Philip Tabane and Julian Bahula. Abbey has toured countries such as Brazil, Holland and Germany. He has released singles such as Hleziphi in 2021.
