John knox bokwe biography of albert
John Knox Bokwe
South African journalist, Presbyterian minister and Xhosa hymn writer
John Knox Bokwe | |
|---|---|
John Knox Bokwe in approx 1914 | |
| Born | (1855-03-15)15 March 1855 Ntselamanzi, Lovedale, South Africa |
| Died | 22 February 1922(1922-02-22) (aged 66) Ntselamanzi |
| Other names | Mdengentonga |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, minister, music composer |
John Knox Bokwe (15 March 1855 – 22 February 1922) was a South African journalist, Presbyterian minister and one of the most celebrated Xhosa hymn writers and musician.
Journal of African Christian Biography -
He is best known for his compositions Vuka Deborah, Plea for Africa, and Marriage Song.[1] Bokwe is recognized as the first known Black South African composer to have notated his own music, marking a significant point in South African musical history.[2]
As a young boy, Bokwe ran errands and worked for Dr.
James Stewart's family. It was also in their house that he learnt to play the organ and the piano. In the same Dictionary of African Christian Biography VIX