SAMRO Pays Tribute To Music Giant Sibongile Khumalo
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) would like to express its deepest condolences on the passing of South African music legend Sibongile Khumalo, who died of stroke-related complications, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 63.
The Soweto-born songstress made a huge impact on South Africa and international music scenes, releasing several critically acclaimed and award-winning albums during her illustrious career.
“Sibongile Kumalo was a world renowned singer with immense talent and a powerful voice, who performed for distinguished audiences around the globe and reflected the richness of her culture through her music,” says SAMRO chairman Nicholas Maweni.
“She was a musical giant and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Not only was Khumalo a member of SAMRO, but she also served as a board member of SAMRO from 1st of November 2010 as well as the board of SAMRO Foundation from 24 March 2016 and she retired from both boards on the 11th of December 2018. Displaying her dedication to the arts and the industry she operated in.
Her musical journey started at the age of eight and she subsequently embarked on a career as a music teacher, before being launched into the spotlight after winning the Standard Bank Young Artist Award at the Grahamstown Arts Festival in 1993.
During her career, Khumalo worked with various celebrated groups and artists, and performed at a number of high-profile events, including Nelson Mandela’s 75th birthday and his presidential inauguration in 1994.
She led the South African and New Zealand national anthems at the World Cup Rugby final in 1995.
Khumalo’s renditions of classical, opera and jazz genres, infused with her musical heritage of Zulu, Sotho and Tsonga cultures, made her as a sensation in the local and international arenas.
“She was truly one of South Africa’s most venerated and celebrated singers, who has left an indelible mark on the music scene – both locally and abroad. Her ability to captivate diverse audiences speaks to her abundance of talent and cemented her role as an inspiration for new generations of artists,” says Maweni.
Among the numerous awards and accolades that Khumalo received during her decades-long career was the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, which she received from former president Thabo Mbeki, for her contribution to arts and culture in the musical fields of jazz and opera.
“This is a great loss in the Music industry of a formidable and legendary Music icon”, concludes Maweni.
