AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
TSHEPO Tshola, the legendary songwriter and musician, has passed away in hospital from COVID-19 related complications.
The death of Tshola (68), who was born in Lesotho but made his name in South Africa and throughout the African continent, has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry.
In SA, fans of Tshola, popularly known as the “Village Pope” or “Black Moses”, have started to celebrate the life and times of man who started his career with Sankomota, a Lesotho-based music group.
The SA government has paid tribute to Tshola. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of the legendary singer #TshepoTshola (The Village Pope). We remember him for his classic gospel favourite ‘Ho Lokile’,” the government said.
Fans of Tshola have paid warm tributes to him on social media.
Tshola was born in Lesotho to parents who were preachers and musicians. This led, 43 years ago, to the birth of his music career. He first sang with a boy band called The Lesotho Blue Diamonds and later joined Anti-Antics, Uhuru and then Sankomota.
During his colourful career he collaborated with several music giants including the great Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Julian Bahula, Nana Coyote.
