By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Tributes poured in at the memorial for Winnie Khumalo, celebrated Afropop singer, with her daughter Rethabile moving the audience through heartfelt performances.
- Notable figures including DJ Zinhle, Arts minister Gayton Mackenzie, and Chicco Twala honoured Khumalo’s legacy. She will be buried on Saturday, 18 January.
The tributes flowed at Winnie Khumalo’s memorial on Wednesday at the Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg.
A performance by her daughter, the singer Rethabile Khumalo, left the audience of artists and entertainment industry executives emotional. Rethabile beautifully sang “Hlonipha”, describing how her mother had groomed her to be the woman that she is, and “Umlilo”, written with DJ Zinhle in honour of her mother.
The theatre was packed with people in the entertainment industry paying tribute to the Afropop singer, who passed away suddenly last week.
Among those celebrating her life were DJ Zinhle, DJ Cleo, Oskido, Chicco Twala and Sana Mchunu, her childhood friend. Organisations such as Basadi in Music Awards were also represented.
Arts and Culture minister Gayton Mackenzie attended, as did former Justice minister Jeff Radebe, both expressing their deep sadness and condolences.
Radebe, who spoke as a close friend, said Winnie had made a decisive contribution to the ANC when it was most needed in 2008 and 2009.
“Winnie was a friend of peace, you would just hear from her laughter,” said Lindi Ntoyi, a close friend.
An imitation of how Winnie used to dance, performed by the troupe Dora’s Dancers, had the crowd cheering and screaming “Jiva nje ngo, Winnie” (dance like Winnie).
Winnie’s fame grew after her hit “I just want to live my life” and the gig offers began pouring in. For six months she saved her royalties and paid 85% of the bond on her house in Protea Glen.
Oskido, recording artist and DJ, urged Winnie’s daughter to use the royalties still coming in to pay off Winnie’s house.
“Caring about one another shouldn’t just end here,” said singer and record producer Chicco Twala.
“We must normalise checking on each other – even after the funerals.”
Winnie will be laid to rest on Saturday, 18 January at West Park Cemetery.
Pictured above: Winnie Khumalo celebrated at a packed Market Theatre on Wednesday.
Source: Selloane Ntshonyane
