Former Thobela FM DJ Neo was a born entertainer
The energetic musician’s mic goes silent forever
Born: December 26 1965
Died: August 22
Funeral: Tomorrow at the Lutheran Church in GaRamokgopa, Botlokwa, from 7am
Burial: At the local cemetery
The radio and music fraternity is mourning the death of former Thobela FM DJ Neo Seakamela, who died on August 22 after a short illness.
Seakamela was born in Alexandra, Johannesburg, in 1965, where her father worked as a priest. She started school at the township but later moved to Mankweng, Limpopo, with her father where she attended the Pulamadibogo Primary School.
After completing her Grade 7, Neo proceeded to PhiriKolobe Secondary School before going to Mokomene High School in 1984, where she matriculated. She shot to fame when she started working for SABC station Thobela FM.
It was during her stint as a presenter that she teamed up with the late Joe Mabotja to present a popular mid-morning programme named after them, the Neo/Joe Show, in the late 1990s until 2003.
Upon leaving the station, Seakamela tried her luck in business where she operated a salon in Polokwane. Her love for music saw her enrol for a music course at the University of Venda. Her sister-in-law, Nakedi Seakamela, remembered Neo as an energetic young girl who loved music.
“I went to school with Neo, and I remember her as someone who wanted to entertain pupils when the teacher was not in class,” said Nakedi, who is married to Neo’s brother.
“She was very intelligent and led pupils in various capacities, including drum majorettes, basketball and karate.”
She said Neo would perform in class using a duster as if it was a microphone and sing in front of other pupils.
Neo has recorded various music albums, starting with her maiden Afro-soul Time Will Tell, followed by Majapan.
She later established her own record label, Bosses Music, in 2003. During her music career, she performed at various events including the Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz Festival and the Polokwane Fifa 2010 Festival.
She leaves behind two children and her father.