Clem Tholet

Clem Tholet (1948 – 6 October 2004) was a Rhodesian folk singer who became popular in the 1970s for his Rhodesian patriotic songs.[1] He reached the height of his fame during the Rhodesian Bush War.

Clem Tholet
Clem Tholet
Background information
Born1948
Salisbury, Rhodesia
Died6 October 2004(2004-10-06) (aged 56)
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
GenresFolk, rock and roll
InstrumentsGuitar
Years active1966–2004
LabelsRND Records
WebsiteOfficial website

Biography

Clem was born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia in 1948 and began writing songs while he was an art student in Durban, South Africa. One of his first songs, Vagabond Gun was a category winner at the South Africa Music Festival in 1966. Clem later moved back to Rhodesia to work in advertising. He started singing at Rhodesia's first folk venue, The Troubadour in Salisbury's Angwa Street. Whilst performing there, he met Sue Eccles and Andy Dillon. The trio formed a group called The Kinfolk, then moved to South Africa, and shortly after moving to Johannesburg, Eccles left the group.

Clem and Andy formed a new group with Yvonne Raff, which they called The Legend Trio. This new trio began singing at the original Southern African "Troubadour", and were also involved in a number of SAFMA's National Folk Fests.

Clem married Jean Smith (step-daughter of Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith) in 1967.

Clem embarked on a solo career, recording some singles with Art Heatlie at Trutone. Mel Miller, Peter Leroy and Sylvia Stott briefly joined Clem to form a group in 1970, before Clem moved back to Rhodesia in 1971. Clem returned and soon built up a strong following. He did a series of Rhodesian Television shows, and presented a radio programme called Folk on the Rocks, aired for two series. The name came from the folk club Clem ran at The Beverley Rocks, where it played to regular packed houses.

A popular star of the annual Bless 'Em All Troop Shows, and in great demand in the Rhodesian entertainment scene, Clem recorded his first album Songs of Love & War at Shed Studios. Clem wrote and produced the album himself. The album was awarded a Gold Disc. He wrote the soundtrack and songs for the C.I.S. film What A Time it Was and the theme song for a film honouring the wounded troopies of Rhodesia, Tsanga, Tsanga.

He appeared at the 7 Arts Theatre, Harare in the first half, supporting the American comedian Shelley Berman with members of the Shed Studios band – Comprising Martin Norris, Steve Roskilly, Bothwell Nyamhondera, Tony Logan and Steve Hughes. As artistic director of the advertising agency Matthewman Banks and Tholet, he was instrumental in writing a great many and memorable music jingles for his clients. He produced a second album at Shed Studios, called Two Sides to Every Story, before moving back to South Africa. After living and working in the advertising industry for many years in Cape Town, Clem died on 6 October 2004 after having suffered from the effects of a debilitating illness for a number of years.[2][3]

Clem's last album, Archives was (and is) sold as a fundraiser to benefit the Flame Lily Foundation. This fundraising project seeks to provide funds for the living expenses of elderly former residents of Zimbabwe and Rhodesia living in South Africa, who have been denied their pensions by the Zimbabwean government.[4]

Discography

Albums
AlbumYearLabelNotes
Songs of Love & War1979TealGold Disc Award
Two Sides to Every Story1978Teal
Archives2004RNDSold as a fundraiser for Rhodesian pensioners

Singles
SinglesYearLabelNotes
Vagabond Gun1966RCA VictorCategory winner South Africa Music Festival
The Cold Side1968Renown
Mirror of My Mind1968Renown
With Pen in Hand1968Renown
True Love is a Tear1968Renown
Vrystaat1969Renown
Rhodesians Never Die1973Blackberry
Hey, Hey Jerome1973Blackberry
Peace Dream1977Teal
The Last Farewell1978Teal
Song for Johnny1978Teal
What a Time it Was1978Teal
Zambesi, Zimbabwe1980Stanyan
Sunny Days and Rain1980Stanyan
Used Car Dealer1980Stanyan
Somebody Else's Song1981Stanyan

Film tracks
Film TracksYearLabelNotes
What a Time it Was
What a Time it Was
Golden Days
With His Hands
Peace Dream
If the World Had Another Hitler
Tsanga, Tsanga
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See also
  • John Edmond
  • Mark Green "Story of Rhodesia – Tribute to Clem Tholet"; Hrungnir Records, CD (2009)

References
  1. Kriel, Margaret. "Farewell Clem Tholet". Morning Mirror. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  2. Rhodesian Music Website – Solo Artists Archived 16 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Clem Tholet's biography Archived 14 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Rhodie Oldies need your help Archived 3 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine

Further reading
  • "Clem Tholet RIP". 3rd Ear Music. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2013. Includes Clem Tholet's self-penned obituary "Goodbye".
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