South Africa – President Jacob Zuma has expressed deep sadness and extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of gospel sensation and multi-award winning singer Sifiso Ncwane‚ who died on Monday.
“The passing of Mr Ncwane is a massive loss for the country. His music touched the hearts of millions of people. He was one of the best gospel artists that the country has ever produced‚ and he left us at such a young age. We are deeply saddened. May his soul rest in peace‚” President Zuma said.
In a tribute to the gospel singer‚ Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa described Ncwane’s death as a “a sore blow and a tragic loss to gospel lovers and to our nation as a whole”.
“We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of this most loved and revered musician‚” he said. “Sfiso Ncwane grew from humble beginnings into an artist of great stature and great power. He was truly a giant in gospel music even at a tender age.”
The multi-award winning star died at the Fourways Life Hospital, SouthAfrica after suffering kidney failure; Ncwane family spokesperson Mhlo Gumede confirmed to eNCA.
Ncwane was well known for being the first gospel singer to win Song of the Year at the South African Music Awards.
His later songs included famous ‘Kulungile Baba’ which went multi-platinum with more that 300,000 copies sold.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
