Celebration of Tyamara’s life
Memorial service in Soweto for gospel singer
FRIENDS, family and friends of late gospel music sensation Lundi Tyamara will tomorrow gather at Soweto’s Grace Bible Church to celebrate his life.
The developments were confirmed at the weekend by family spokesperson Anele Hlazo.
Lundi, 38, died in the early hours of Friday after a battle with tuberculosis of the stomach and a liver condition.
The memorial service will start at 2pm.
“This is the time to honour the memory of our great and beloved Lundi. It would bring the family and friends so much comfort to see South Africans remember what he was about and all he stood for. Everyone is invited,” Hlazo said in a statement.
Details of Lundi’s funeral were yet to be finalised at the time of publication.
Social media was awash with words of condolence from prominent South Africans and the public at large.
President Jacob Zuma described Tyamara’s death as a great loss.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a talented artist at such a young age. This is yet another huge loss for the country in a short time.
“He was one of the best gospel artists that the country has produced. We are with his family in thoughts and prayers in this trying period. May his soul rest in peace,” Zuma said in a statement.
The Department of Arts and Culture paid tribute to Tyamara’s artistry, which it said “manifested itself profoundly with his 1998 multi-platinum-selling album Mphefumlo Wami”.
“Despite facing challenges over the years, like a phoenix he always emerged from the ashes and rose to the occasion,” the department said.
The SA National Civic Organisation’s Jabu Mahlangu said Tyamara’s music had touched lives and “inspired most upcoming artists with his magnificent voice and electrifying stage performance”.
“He was a force to be reckoned with and one of a kind. Though he found fame at a tender age, he set the music industry ablaze and influenced the performances of most gospel artists, as well as other musical genres,” Mahlangu said.
Parliament’s arts and culture portfolio committee also expressed sadness at Tyamara’s death through its chairperson Xoliswa Tom.
“It is sad when one so young, carrying a message of hope for the future, passes on so abruptly.
“While we accept that as mortal beings we are doomed to death, it remains a hard pill to swallow when someone passes away so young,” Tom said in a statement.
“The enormity of his talent shone through, despite his many trials and tribulations. Many will remember him for his bubbly soul, verve and perseverance,” he added.
Like a phoenix he always rose from his challenges