A wave of grief has spread across Africa’s jazz fraternity after news of Tshepo Tshola’s death was confirmed.
Tshepo Tshola dies: What’s the cause of death?
While very few details have surfaced from Tshola’s family, it is believed that the musician lost his life days after he was admitted to a hospital in Lesotho for complications related to COVID-19.
The 68-year-old is survived by his two sons Kamogelo (37) and Katlego (30).
Tshola’s family and music label Killer Joe Records have yet to issue a statement on the musician’s passing.
South Africa pays tribute to fallen legend
Tshola’s music career has spanned over 40 years and in that period, his albums have become the soundtrack to millions of lives in Africa and abroad.
Following confirmation of his passing, Tshola’s peers and fans took to social media to pay tribute to the music legend. These were some of the reactions we picked out:
We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of the legendary singer #TshepoTshola (The Village Pope). We remember him for his classic gospel favourite ‘Ho Lokile’.
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 15, 2021
[pic: Facebook] pic.twitter.com/IJdjQz7eBQ
Rest easy ️ #TshepoTshola pic.twitter.com/ewdaFqgR4Q
— The Great (@MichaelSesh) July 15, 2021
You'll forever be remembered #TshepoTshola Robala ka khotso pic.twitter.com/nBV8fP7vld
— It's Pablo (@itspablo012) July 15, 2021
There is a land so sweet and free & oh the joy will soon be mine. Oh Beaulah land! He sang this song so beautifully. Robala ka kgotso Ntate #TshepoTshola pic.twitter.com/W9HiIjAqd8
— Vaccination time!!!! (@Nomsa_Md) July 15, 2021