As Mzansi mourns Sfiso Ncwane’s sudden passing, we pay tribute to the gospel great.
AGED just 37, gospel titan Sfiso Ncwane took his last breath at 9:30 am on Monday 5 December – coincidentally the third anniversary of the death of Nelson Mandela.
His swansong performance was at the Thobela FM Praise and Worship Gospel Festival in Limpopo (see page 98) the day before he passed away, reportedly from kidney failure.
Hours before, he was the picture of concentration as he sat in his tour bus, which was parked not far from the backstage entrance. Upon spotting his branded vehicle, DRUM reporter Mpho Tshikhudo and photographer Molato Mo Phakwago approached.
“You ambushed me while I was trying to get some sleep,” Sfiso said in a chirpy voice as he emerged from the bus.
Sporting a pair of shorts, he exchanged niceties with us and even posed with fans for photos.
SFISO TOOK to the stage just after midnight. He was quick to tell the enthusiastic crowd that he wasn’t feeling well, but said he respected his fans so much he had to honour the booking and continue with his performance.
The news of his ill health came as a surprise, because he didn’t mention anything when we spoke to him just before his performance.
Despite not feeling up to scratch, the gospel superstar was his usual cheerful self as he interacted with band members and his backing singers.
Sfiso performed three songs and immediately set off for Johannesburg once his act was over.
“We have to drive back as Sfiso is booked to perform at the Kaya FM show in Johannesburg,” one of his backing singers, Judith Mudau, told us while Sfiso’s team was preparing to leave.
As it turned out, Sfiso never made it to that gig. Instead the sudden news of his passing shocked the nation.
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