SA jazz legend, Thandi Klaasen remembered

Klaasen, who passed away yesterday at the age of 86, had been battling pancreatic cancer. Her daughter Lorraine said she died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family. 

The jazz was born and bred in the cultural hub Sophiatown - an historic period which also influenced her music and brought to life the 1974 hit, Sophiatown. 

In a statement released by the Presidency, President Jacob Zuma has described the singer as "one of the leading pioneers of SA jazz music."

"...a social and political activist who was always outspoken about social-economic issues in the country," it further reads. 

While the Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said - "uMama Thandi Klassen was feisty, street smart and full of life."

Tributes have been pouring in on social media since her passing. See those below.