AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
AFRICAN legend musician, composer Tsepo Tshola was more than a musician or a sweet baritone voice that entertained millions over the past five decades.
Tshola (68), who passed away after a battle with COVID-19, was many things to many people. He helped many couples to celebrate their climax of their love – by tying the knot. Lots of couples danced to this music on their wedding day. Party-goers and music festival revellers danced into the night to his famous compositions.
Many families who lost their loved ones turned to Tshola’s smooth baritone for comfort.
He was, as tributes on social media and elsewhere show, many things to many people. All of them good.
Legendary actor Sello Maake-ka-Ncube said Tshola was special: “I never loved another man’s voice like that of Tshepo Tshola. Listening to him sing and watching him perform I would always just melt. Heaven has got itself another angel or should I say a saint, a sinner who kept on trying. #RipTshepoTshola #HoLokileHoLokile,’ he wrote on Twitter.
SA Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula paid tribute to Tshola. He said: “What a week: Tsepo Tshola was a legend, a great talent and ambassador for authentic South African music. Like many of his calibre, he leaves an indelible mark and he won’t be forgotten. May his soul RIP.”
Fellow musician Rebbecca Malope was distraught: “It breaks my heart to hear this news, Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow.
I’m praying that God gives us all the strength & comfort to get through this difficult time. The world has lost an incredible life.”
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.
Tshola was born in Lesotho to parents who were preachers and musicians. This led, 50 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.
