Zimbabwean singer, Tatenda Mahachi, has revealed that the much loved South African gospel singer, Sfiso Ncwane, who died in Johannesburg yesterday morning was scheduled to perform in Zimbabwe this week.
“Sfiso Ncwane was more than a friend to me, he was a brother, and a very humble soul. I spoke to him on Friday last week and he was supposed to come to Zimbabwe this Friday, December 9, to perform with me at the Permican Awards. I am still in shock,” said a grieving Mahachi.
Ncwane featured on Mahachi’s 2015 song, ‘Ndinoda Jesu/ Ngiyamuthanda uJesu’. The song was released on Mahachi’s album ‘Declarations’ which came out early 2015. The two artists had been performing together ever since.
Ncwane died at a Johannesburg hospital on Monday morning, December 5, after suffering a kidney failure. It is said he was in his wife’s arms when he passed on.
“Our last performance together was at the Afri Gospel Unite Festival in Durban in May,” recalls Mahachi. “He was really my inspiration, a hardworking true worshipper and one thing you can never debate over was that he was highly talented.
“We were very close apart from the music circles – we could share aspects of life and he was a good advisor.
“He wasn’t ashamed of his past and always thanked God for coming into his life.”
Mahachi revealed that it was through their shared fashion designer that they met and they used to joke about the names of their presidents.
“Sfiso and I met through our designer, Thembani Mubochwa, when l was invited for the Crown Gospel Awards.
“He was an open person to me, always a happy character we used to joke and call each other with the names of our presidents, he loved it.
“He was a very busy man who was so focused and hardworking . Even fellow South African musicians can confirm.
“I am really shattered at the moment and all I can say is may his soul rest in eternal peace,” averred Mahachi.
Meanwhile, other Zimbabwean singers and fans of gospel music have aired their shock at Ncwane’s passing.
Zimpraise producer and founder, Joseph Madziyire, said he was, “Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Sfiso Ncwane. Gone too soon. May his soul rest In peace”
Thandolwenkosi Khakhatha from Bulawayo said Ncwane’s songs would always be a source of comfort. “My heart bleeds for Sfiso Ncwane. Rest In Peace my Brother. Your songs will always comfort us, till we meet again. May God comfort his beloved wife and children and the rest of the Ncwane family.”
Harare fan, Lucia Dube, had this to say, “Kulungile baba, makuyintando yakho (So be it Father, your will be done). Rest in Peace Sfiso Ncwane.”
