When Bolepu Mathabatha met with Pops Mohamed to repair his damaged kora, the moment felt like renewal rather than loss. In a short video posted on social media, Mohamed can be seen thanking Mathabatha, whom he affectionately calls the Kora Doctor.
Seated by the veranda at Mathabathas home in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, Mohameds heartfelt appreciation to Mathabatha lingers on the screen.
Little did Mathabatha and the music world know we would lose the maestro a few days later.
