Minister salutes star who supported SA

Brazilian Anselmo Feleppa, died of Aids in 1993, which inspired some of his most beautiful songs.

Even after all the losses pop has suffered this terrible year, I have to admit I am in shock at the loss of George Michael.

It is not just that 53 is too young, it is the feeling of a story still unfinished. Michael was not prolific. There have only been five solo albums, the last in 2004. Yet he was a man who had a lot of music in him, who seemed at his very best when able to let it pour out of him, and who always spoke as if privately convinced that the best was yet to come.

There had been rumours about the state of his health over the years. Someone mentioned to me just a few weeks ago that he was not well, although they were unable or unwilling to elaborate. Publicly, he was known to have been recording again, and optimistic about releasing new music next year.

Whether that will emerge now is a whole other question, for another time. Right now, every pop music lover should be mourning the loss of an amazing star, a huge talent, and a fascinating, complex, warm, funny human being.

As ever, we have to take what succour we can in music that cannot be erased by time. It may have been George Michael’s last Christmas, but the songs play on. — The Daily Telegraph MINISTER of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa paid tribute to late pop legend George Michael, saluting him for supporting the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

“We salute George Michael for supporting our cause for freedom and for playing at the Free Nelson Mandela Concert to mark Tata Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday‚ which was held at Wembley Stadium‚ London in June 1988.

“This concert raised worldwide consciousness of apartheid and the imprisonment of Madiba and other freedom fighters‚” Mthethwa said.

Michael also stood up for LGBT rights.

He championed the rights of artists and fought for ownership of his own music‚ Mthethwa said.

“His song Faith , released in 1987 – where he sings ‘you gotta have faith’ – is some consolation for us as we remember him and try to come to terms with his passing.”

His music had an evergreen quality that would continue to attract new listeners‚ Mthethwa said.

“We bid him a fond and nostalgic farewell, knowing that at this time of the year‚ many fans are listening to the song‚ Last Christmas.” — TMG Digital