Willard Cele was a pioneer of South African Kwela music, and is often credited as having been the first to bring the inherently upbeat sound of the Pennywhistle to the medium.
(On the record label he's credited as playing the Flageolet, which is sort of the refined older cousin to the Tin Whistle or Pennywhistle. I'll guess the credit was wishful thinking on the part of London records.)
In 1951 Cele and his tin flute appeared in the landmark South African film, 'The Magic Garden' (a.k.a. 'The Pennywhistle Blues').
It greatly helped to popularize the instrument and inspired many to play, including
Spokes Mashiyane, who would become a superstar of Kwela in the mid-1950's and into the sixties.
Listen to:
Willard Cele -
Penny Whistle Blues
(London Records 78, circa 1951)
(click for audio)
Listen to:
Willard Cele -
Penny Whistle Boogie
(London Records 78, circa 1951)
(click for audio)
Willard Cele was a pioneer of South African Kwela music, and is often credited as having been the first to bring the inherently upbeat sound of the Pennywhistle to the medium. 
