DESCRIBED

as the First Lady of Song, classical and jazz singer Sibongile Khumalo died yesterday after a lengthy period of illness. The 63-yearold’s death comes as the country is mourning the loss of yet another jazz legend Jonas Gwangwa.

LEGENDARY classical and jazz singer Sibongile Khumalo died yesterday after suffering a stroke. She was 63.

In a statement yesterday, the family said it was with great sadness that they confirmed the death of iconic Khumalo, often referred to as the “First Lady of Song”, after a lengthy period of illness. The jazz and opera vocalist’s career spanned over 30 years.

Born in Soweto from a musical dynasty, Khumalo was the daughter of Grace and Professor Khabi Mngoma.

Khumalo began her music journey at age eight, and was launched into the limelight when she won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award at the Grahamstown Arts Festival in 1993.

Khumalo ended up studying for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in music from the University of Zululand and pursued a career teaching music. She later obtained her BA Honours from the University of Witwatersrand and was also awarded honorary doctorates from the University of South Africa as well as the University of Zululand.

Her illustrious career saw her release several critically acclaimed and award-winning albums and grace a variety of prestigious events both locally and internationally.

She also bagged four South African Music Awards for her light music and jazz recordings and three FNB Vita Awards for her opera and concert work.

“The First Lady of Song, as termed by Nelson Mandela, was a celebrated and multi-award-winning musician. Throughout her career she was awarded many accolades including The Order of Ikhamanga (Silver) bestowed on her by President Thabo Mbeki. Through her music, she has always reflected the richness of her culture, wisdom, and warmth of her family, her community, and her continent,” the family said.

“She will be missed by all who had the privilege of experiencing her music, her friendship and her love. The family is grateful for support and prayers during this time,” they added.

According to The College Music Society, her most notable performances include: The 3 Faces of Sibongile Khumalo (Kippies, Johannesburg 1992); Sibongile Khumalo in Concert (Grahamstown Festival, Market Theatre – Johannesburg, and Baxter Theatre – Cape Town 1993); performances with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (Johannesburg and Cape Town 1994 and 1995); the Brahms Alto Rhapsody

(Johannesburg City Hall 1994 and Durban City Hall 1996); Sisters in Synch

with Aviva Pelham (Civic Theatre – Johannesburg and Grahamstown Festival 1994); Rhythms of Africa with the National Symphony Orchestra (Sun City, Durban and Johannesburg 1994); Handel’s Messiah with Lord Yehudi Menuhin (Cape Town and Johannesburg 1995); and Sibongile Khumalo and Friends (Johannesburg 1995).

She performed at Nelson Mandela’s 75th birthday as well as at the historic 1995 World Cup Rugby final.

“She will be missed by all who had the privilege of experiencing her music, her friendship and her love

SIBONGILE KHUMALO’S FAMILY