FILE PHOTO: Legendary jazz musician Tsepo Tshola has died. PICTURE: Johan Samuels
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0 JOHANNESBURG: Legendary musician and songwriter Tsepo Tshola, affectionately called ‘the village pope’, has passed away.
Tshola died after reportedly being admitted to hospital for Covid-19 related complications, the family has confirmed in a statement.
The 68-year-old singer-songwriter was born in Lesotho and grew up in a musical family with both his parents.
Despite being a permanent resident of South Africa, Tshola has preserved close ties with his home country. The legendary singer has established his name as a songwriter and lead vocalist of the Sankomota band.
Among his most successful songs were Papa, which was dedicated to his father and Ho Lokile, dedicated to his late wife Monis Tshola.
Some of his latest projects involved working with Jub Jub on the song Ke Kopa Tswarelo, and Superman with rapper Cassper Nyovest.
Tshola has been in the music industry for more than 40 years, however, he has also wowed audiences across international stages. The 68-year-old singer-songwriter has also wowed audiences across international stages.
Since the death of an award-winning, the heartfelt messages of condolences have been pouring.
Writer, lyricist, composer, director, and theatre producer, Mbongeni Ngema said he hopes that Tshola can be honoured posthumously for his role in the South African industry.
Ngema said he and Tsola shared great moments both in South Africa and abroad.
He laments a lost opportunity between them, saying that they never got on to it while talking about a collaboration.
“We’ve lost a great musician and a son. A beautiful human being to be around,” he said.
One of South Africa’s music legends, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, said Tshola’s death has left him shattered. Mabuse said he’s short of words.
“I don’t even know how to respond to this. Tsepo’s passing has just left me shattered. And in an empty space. I could not even imagine that you could be gone so soon. You sang my friend, you sang for us Tsepo. Ho lokile. Tsamaya hantle moloane wa ka,” Mabuse said.
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