Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - Monday, 8 November, 2004
Based in Soweto, Kente was one of the first writers to deal with life in South Africa's townships.
He produced 23 plays and three television dramas between 1963 and 1992 after beginning his career with a black theatre group in Johannesburg.
Kente died in his sleep early on Sunday, cousin Nomathemba Kela said, calling him "a very strong person".
"He had a positive attitude towards others and fought a very brave fight for a long time," Kela added.
Kente's first play was Manana, The Jazz Prophet, which was produced especially for audiences in townships. It was followed by How Long and Sikhalo.
Many theatre groups in townships were forced to close during South Africa's apartheid era, because of harassment from authorities.
Pop producer
Some of Kente's work was banned, but he staged three anti-apartheid plays in the mid-1970s - How Long, I Believe, and Too Late.
He was jailed in 1976 for attempting to film How Long, and released the following year.
As well as putting on plays and musicals, Kente also produced some of South Africa's leading musicians, and trained artists like late pop star Brenda Fassie.
Kente's announcement that he was HIV positive was praised by politicians, including former president Nelson Mandela.
"Trust me to be strong, because I want to stand out as a paragon of strength," Kente told reporters.
He is survived by two sons and three grandchildren.
041108
BB041101
Copyright © 2004 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.