With the festive break in full swing at the moment, there are few things that easily remind me of home and among the list of items, music occupies a premier seat. Where music is concerned, American guitarist and jazz sensation Earl Klugh with the song ‘Tropical Legs’ and South African gospel sensation, Mam Deborah Fraser’s music easily come to mind. Music has a way of bringing back the good old memories and this post, pays tribute to our local stars who departed this year, and they are in no particular order…
Each time, there would be a family gathering, one of my aunts (Doris) would always say to me, “S’the (short cut to my full name Sithenjwa) the next time you go to a music store, please get me the album Giloria by Deborah Fraser.” Mind you, I was a big fan of collecting CDs (before the digital bug took-over) while growing up and enjoyed listening to gospel but did not know that there was a new album of hers out but still, I would get this request over and over again. I was, however, excited because this was yet another one to add to my stellar collection, the next time I went out to the stores.
Gospel sensation – Mam’ Deborah Fraser
And, one day I did just that and what a memorable buy this was!
The album ‘Giloria‘ which means glory was released back in 2006, five years after her smash hit release ‘Abanye Bayombona‘ (some will see Him, The Lord), which instantly catapulted her to stardom after spending many years as a backup singer for many other established artists such as Brenda Fassie. If you remember Brenda Fassie’s record-breaking album, ‘Memeza’ (shout) and the song ‘Sumbulala‘ (please don’t kill him/her) in particular, you will appreciate the fact that this woman comes a long way in the music industry.
Her music resembles the many memories I have from home. The album Giloria had a total of 12 songs which included the following personal favorites ‘Umangisuka‘ (When I depart from earth), ‘Hamba we Sathane‘ (Satan, go away) and ‘Glory Hallelujah’, These are the home memories I have of the late gospel sensation through her timeless music. Mam’ Deborah Fraser passed away on 15th May 2022 after battling an unconfirmed illness and laid to rest on the 22nd of May 2022 in KZN.
Her funeral was a musical adventure with many people paying their tributes to the departed gospel sensation. It was great having to watch it and experience it. Legendary UKhozi FM radio presenter Dudu ‘Lady D’ Khoza was one of the programme directors. I enjoyed having to recall all speakers attesting of the significant role Mam’Deborah Fraser played in their lives, how her sister recalled her last moments in hospital and how she reassured everyone, including the late Mam’Deborah, of how she will take care of the late gospel star’s children from hereon. Her friends also took turns to remember her stage presence, grace and style. They also boasted of how she introduced them to a new kind and level of lifestyle through her glorious career and travelling requirements over the years. May she continue resting in peace and may her music continue to be timeless.
Jamie Bartlett aka David Genaro
Then soon afterwards, an acting legend also departed. On the evening of the 23rd of May 2022, breaking news came through during evening TV news that Jamie Bartlett had passed on. He was 55 years old at the time of his passing. He was a respected actor on both theater and TV industries. He was famous for the roles of Mike O’Reilly in SABC 3’s now defunct Isidingo soapy and etv’s former Rhythm City. Bartlett is reported to have died due to a heart attack at his home in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, according to Newframe.com (https://www.newframe.com/jamie-bartlett-the-beloved/). This was one actor’s passing that shook me.
I think many people in South Africa will agree that his most popular role was that of David Genaro in Rhythm City. The bad guy, everyone loved to hate. Jamie’s portrayal of the vile and vicious antagonist ‘Genaro’ made viewers fall in love with the actor and the show. The show was one of the top five most-watched local productions for etv channel and I am certain that Jamie contributed to that honour and esteem. Jamie has also had an illustrious career in theatre that he also contributed incredibly towards. Our arts industry as a whole has truly lost a gem.
As you would know, I was an avid follower of Rhythm City until its last day on-air and I can attest to the powerful performances of David Genaro that Jamie blessed our screens with. My favorite would always be scenes he had with Miles Vilakazi (played by Peter Sephuma) and Naomi Fischer (played by Moshidi Motshegwa). He had a way with words that made viewers easily fall in love with how he’d deliver them – with so much conviction and power that one believed and liked everything he had to utter. I wondered at times, if he took breaths in-between while delivering some of them or if he wrote his own script or had a way with working around what he would be furnished with as a guide from the award-winning scriptwriting team. He was the coolest actor of our time, no doubt!
I recall once seeing and briefly interacting with him at one of the popular hangout spots in Midrand called Busy Corner Shisa Nyama. Well, it was a mission having to steal a moment with him as he was surrounded by people with his extraordinary persona. People loved being in his presence and there was an incredible and contagious aura around him. I finally got to have a moment with him and was greeted with a smile and a person who was welcoming engaged and interested in as much as he was interesting. I cherish that brief encounter I had with him. The only regret I still have, is not asking for a photograph to capture the moment – I was that star-struck!
I remember how he announced that he was intending on hanging the David Genaro character for good on the etv soapy after being one of the few longest serving cast members. He had been with Rhythm City for a terrific thirteen years. In a radio interview with 702’s Joanne Joseph, Jamie can be heard saying that it was difficult having to part ways with the David Genaro character as he (Genaro) had ‘colonized every single cell in his body’ (http://www.702.co.za/articles/374344/jamie-bartlett-leaves-rhythm-city-after-13-years). He had been with the show since its inception in 2007. I do feel that this announcement somehow signaled the end of the television series, for many viewers, including myself who could not see the show succeeding without his presence. His character was killed in the show in 2020 with the show airing its last episode a year later. His character ignited our screens and entertained us well over the years. His loss, this year, was a huge blow to our arts industry, and I hope that he was well received on the other side.
The effervescent Kuli Roberts
Colourful, full of life and one of a kind – Nomakula ‘Kuli’ Roberts also passed away in February at the age of 49. She was a radio and TV personality who was also a celebrated journalist most famous for her spicey and saucy Sunday tabloid column. She was known for her no holds barred approach in her commentary when it came to celebrities, their lifestyles and fashion styles. I wonder if her comments ever got her into trouble or not. She was a style icon and contributor in SABC TV lifestyle shows such as What Not to Wear and Real Goboza. I remember her on breakfast radio on Kaya FM where she co-hosted with the late Bob Mabena on the 180 degrees breakfast show. She provided comedic relief on the radio show, alongside resident comedian Skhumba Hlophe. She also resurfaced after a brief hiatus on SABC 3’s Trending SA show alongside Pabi Moloi and Dr Miss Mthombeni among her co-hosts. I also remember her work on community station Soweto TV where she’d do the entertainment wrap-up on Fridays during the news bulletin, where she would also announce the celebrity “Njipapa” (fashion faux pas) of the week, which was a highlight. She will also be remembered for her activism on social media for the “Stop Albinism Killings” which she would always advocate and speak vehemently against on her Twitter page.
In an interview with Mac G and Sol’s Podcast and Chill episode 287, Kuli was asked what she’d love to be remembered for and she gracefully responded that she does not want to be remembered, that instead, she would like for us to look after each other, especially those who are less fortunate, downtrodden, black people, people with Albinism, the LGBQI+ community. She spoke at great length about Ubuntu being the essence of it all as we relate with one another. Now, if that’s not a powerful parting shot, I don’t know what else can qualify as one. Rest in power, Kuli.
TV actress – Busisiwe Lurayi
In July, the acting scene also lost another talented artist in Busisiwe Lurayi, who was found dead at her apartment in Johannesburg by a family member. The cause of death for the 36-year-old actress is unknown. Busisiwe was famous for her role as ‘Tumi’ in the Netflix series, ‘How to Ruin Christmas‘ and for the role of ‘Phumzile’ in SABC 1’s City Ses’La and its spin off Ses’Top La amongst her many stellar roles. She excelled at bringing to life her roles with spunk and a touch of pizzazz. Her last role on TV was on etv’s soapy, Scandal where he played the role of the mysterious and vibrant Me’shell, which the show announced was recast following her tragic passing. The award-winning actress was honoured with a Best Actress in a TV comedy SAFTA nomination for her role on How to ruin Christmas posthumously.
Brodcasting sensation – Pearl Shongwe
South Africa also lost one of its darling TV and radio stars on the 8th of November 2022, when it was reported that Pearl Shongwe had passed away in her sleep. The cause of her passing is still unknown. She was 35 years old and was a presenter on SABC 1’s popular daily talk show called Daily Thetha. She was also a newsreader for Metro FM’s drive time show called ‘The Touchdown’ alongside Tbo Touch and Morena Mothupi. She was also an anchor on SABC News channel 404. Her colleagues spoke at great depth about her kindness, supportive nature and her hard-working ethic during her send-off. She was also a presenter on the youth leadership programme One Day Leader where the focus was on uncovering potential heroes in our society. Shongwe once conquered summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2019 as part of the Trek for Mandela and #Caring4Girls campaign (https://bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za/369257/pearl-summits-the-highest-peak-in-africa/. The broadcasting industry has indeed lost a sweet soul in her and she will be missed.
Mental health spotlight – Patrick Shai and Ricky Rick
Mental health awareness was thrust into the spotlight this year with the loss of two local stars due to reporter suicide.
Firstly, Patrick Shai was a legendary actor in South African TV popularly known for his many roles including as the original womanizing “Nkwesheng” in SABC’s Bophelo ke Semphekgo (life is a journey). He recently starred in 1 Magic’s award-winning telenovela The River as Phasha. He’s had memorable and SAFTA nominated roles in 7de Laan, Generarions, Skeem Sam, Yizo Yizo, Zone 14 and Ashes to Ashes amongst many other TV shows where he appeared. It is reported, according to The South African, that Shai hung himself at his garage in his Dobsonville home, Soweto on the morning of the 22nd of January 2022. (https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/breaking-rip-skeem-saam-the-river-inside-patrick-shai-memorable-roles-and-fight-with-cassper-nyovest/).
Shai was instrumental in establishing platforms for discussions against gender-based violence (GBV) involving mostly men, in and around his community and influence. He was 65 years old. His passing comes after he had recently come under fire on Twitter for inappropriate language use involving a boxing fight he had requested with another popular local artist. Shai was also part of the famous Generations 16 cast members who were fired in 2015 after going on a protest over concerns regarding their TV acting contracts and royalties. This saga dates as far back as 2013. May his shine and soul continue to live on.
Celebrated rapper – Ricky Rick
Then, it was 34-year-old celebrated Rapper and Musician Rikhado Ricky’ Rick’ Makhado who passed away in February 2022 following a reported suicide. Ricky Rick was known for his cool fashion sense and his smash hit songs “Boss Zonke” and “Sidlukotini” (We are stylish). His music was a unique blend of kwaito and hip hop which made it easier to resonate with young people. His passion for unearthing new talent manifested itself through the creation of Cotton Fest, an urban culture platform for young, up and coming artists to showcase their work. For me, his star was one that was on the rise and filled with many successes, a thriving career, a promising hope of the future – cut too short. I can only wish that his children and wife are still recovering and processing his passing slowly and well. What I have learnt from the tragic passing of these two gentlemen is the importance for us as men to speak up and talk about what is troubling us. It is okay for us to not feel okay and strong at times, but we can seek professional help and talk to those we trust in the hope of dealing with the battles in our minds. There is help out there available and we must seek and reach out for it. May his soul continue resting in peace.
Musician – Mampitsha
Then on Christmas Eve this year, the nation was informed of a breaking news story involving Gqom musician Mandla ‘Mampitsha’ Maphumulo, who had passed away after suffering a stroke. This was revealed by his recording company Afrotainment in a statement to the public. He had been hospitalized for a stroke and was 40 years old. He was famous for his role as part of the Kwaito group Big Nuz who brought us the hit “Umlilo” (fire) in 2009. He was also in a much publicized and bitter-sweet relationship with fellow musician Bongekile “Babes Wodumo” Simelane. He will be laid to rest on Friday the 30th of December 2022 in Durban.
As 2022 comes to an end, let us all take some time to reflect on the year that was and appreciate the gift of life. It’s time to spend time and truly connect with our loved ones as the past two years have shown that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Let us continue looking after our mental health and prioritizing it in the new year. To the families of the fallen stars, and many others that I did not mention, I wish you all peace and ongoing comfort for your losses, which we all share in. May 2023 bring with progress, life and good health for all of us.
References
https://bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za/369257/pearl-summits-the-highest-peak-in-africa/amp
http://www.702.co.za/articles/374344/jamie-bartlett-leaves-rhythm-city-after-13-years
Jamie Bartlett, the beloved
SithenjwaT 