Gospel singer Dr Kenny Makweng died on Monday, 15 January 2024. He was 54.
Kenny Makweng dies: What’s the cause of death?
News of Makweng’s death was first announced by the Limpopo Artists Movement. While details about his cause of death are unclear, Paul Mabilo, an iconic music producer, informed Daily Sun, that the gospel singer had complained about high blood pressure and escalated diabetes the last time they spoke, on 15 December 2023.
“He told me that he was suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes. I did not realise his condition was so bad. His death was sudden, and I feel we were robbed of our talent. I had expected more from him,” Paul told the publication.
Details about Makweng’s funeral and memorial service were not canvassed when this article was published.
Kenny Makweng biography
Dr Kenny Makweng, born on 3 September 1969, in Ga-Matlala, Limpopo, South Africa, was a renowned South African gospel singer, songwriter, and producer.
He was a pivotal figure in the Sione gospel genre, blending traditional ZCC hymns with contemporary music styles. Makweng’s music was characterised by its incorporation of various languages, including Sepedi, Sesotho, English, and Zulu, which broadened his appeal to a diverse audience.
He wrote and composed most of his songs, drawing from personal experiences, faith, and social issues like poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption, HIV/AIDS, and racism.
His music often conveyed messages of peace, justice, unity, and love for God.
Makweng was a charismatic and energetic performer, captivating audiences in churches, stadiums, festivals, weddings, and funerals.
His international tours included countries like Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, the UK, the US, and Canada.
He was highly regarded in the South African gospel music scene and beyond.
Makweng’s personal life was marked by his marriage of 25 years and his role as a father to four children. He was also known for his philanthropy, particularly towards children, education, and health causes, and for mentoring young gospel artists.
A devoted member of the Zion Christian Church, he valued education, enrolling at the University of Limpopo at the age of 50 for a BA in music, which he completed in 2023.
Sadly, Makweng passed away on January 15, 2024, at the age of 54, due to complications from a stroke.
Tributes pour in for gospel legend
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Makweng’s passing sent shockwaves reverberating across South Africa’s gospel industry.
Here are some of the tributes we picked: