Gospel send off for Tyamara
WORCESTER played host to thousands of mourners and South African music and gospel celebrities who turned up to the funeral of celebrated artist Lundi Tyamara.
Tyamara died of pancreatic cancer last month.
The line-up of artists who entertained the crowd included Rebecca Malope, the Jaziel Brothers, Sechaba and Veliswa Skeyi.
The mourners seemed to enjoy the performances as they danced to every song by their favourite artists and some of Tyamara’s own gospel hits. Thobeka Sogwagwa, who is from Worcester but lives in Joburg, said Tyamara found a mother in her while he was in Gauteng.
She said she was with Tyamara throughout his time in hospital.
They had also spent Tyamara’s last Christmas together. A friend, Thulani Mangona, said he and Tyamara were like brothers.
“I met Lundi backstage in a concert in Bhisho. Now, I’m backstage at his funeral.”
Mangona said even though his friend was stubborn he was a loving person.
Gospel artist Veliswa Skeyi said before her performance: “We are here to bury a hero and to celebrate a hero.”
Tyamara’s manager Anele Hlazo said: “He was shy, but not everybody knew that side of him.”
He said Tyamara was energetic on stage.
ANC provincial secretary Faiez Jacobs said the party had lost a son.
Tyamara supported the ANC in last year’s local government elections, he said. “We”ll miss him.”