Malibongwe Gcwabe was a renowned gospel artist from the Eastern Cape and in the late hours of Wednesday evening, news broke out that he had passed away at the age of 55.
Malibongwe Gcwabe passed away: What’s the cause of death?
Dispatch Live was informed of the news by his assistant manager Lucky Shingwe. It is said that Gcwabe passed away at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London.
While it is too early to state what the cause of death is, Shingwe was able to reveal that the gospel singer was rushed to hospital after he suffered a respiratory attack.
Unfortunately, there was very little doctors could do to save Gcwabe at that point. Whether his death is linked to the deadly respiratory-attacking coronavirus (COVID-19) is not clear at this time.
Gcwabe accomplishments: Career highlights and achievements
The journey to stardom was a long one for Gcwabe but it was always written in the books of destiny that he would grow into a leader in the gospel genre.
He started out his music career 25 years ago, as a lead vocalist of East London’s revered Youth with Mission choir. He would lead on the frontlines of the group’s success, along with Khanyisa Sabuka, releasing seven albums between 1995 and 2001.
Deciding that it was time to move on, Gcwabe launched his solo career with the release of his debut album Umlilo in 2002. The success of this album would culminate into an independent record label he founded called Malibongwe Music Production which houses timeless hits such as Siyakudumisa, Taru Bawo and Calvary.
Shingwe has stated that the family is stilling trying to come to terms with the passing of Gcwabe. He told the cited publication that nobody can believe that the gospel star is no longer with us.
“The whole thing is still very fresh. I am still struggling to believe it,” he said
Details of his burial have yet to be released.
