Singer Rethabile Khumalo and her brother Thando singing at their mum’s memorial service at the Market Theatre in Joburg on Wednesday, 15 January. Photo by Kgalalelo Tlhoaele
OVER 3 000 roses and more than 100 candles to remember Winnie Khumalo.
Government officials, A-list celebrities, friends, family and fans gathered at the Market Theatre in Joburg on Wednesday, 15 January to celebrate the singer and dancer’s life.
The 51-year-old singer passed away on Tuesday, 7 January after a short illness. She was best known for her hit song Live My Life.
The life of singer Winnie Khumalo was celebrated during a memorial service at the Market Theatre in Joburg on Wednesday, 15 January.
Mourners celebrated her life with worship songs, shared jokes about her and also danced to her hit songs.
Her daughter Rethabile and son, Thando, also gave touching tributes to their mum by singing a hymn they used to sing with her at home.
Family member Sanelo said Winnie was always smiling and laughing. “I didn’t take her like my niece because she would just talk to me like I’m her friend,” he said.
He said he one day had a conversation with Winnie about death and she cried out of nowhere. “She was crying as if I was already dead, and I regretted telling her. I told her she must sing at my funeral,” he said.
Former justice and constitutional development minister Jeff Radebe said he had been following Winnie’s career at a distance.
“My very close association was when we had a major political crisis. I’ll always cherish those rare moments of Winnie,” he said.
Former justice and constitutional development minister Jeff Radebe speaking at the memorial service for Winnie Khumalo. Photo by Kgalalelo Tlhoaele
Iconic record producer Sello “Chicco” Twala said Winnie was more than a friend to him. “Winnie did her job, she’s happy where she is because she has gone everywhere,” he said.
He encouraged the family to love each other.
The speakers said Winnie loved her kids and grandkids. “She had a big heart and wanted a lot for her kids,” one of the speakers said.
Iconic record producer Oskido sharing funny stories about he and the late Winnie Khumalo. Photo by Kgalalelo Tlhoaele
Most of the speakers promised to help the family, especially in the entertainment industry including co-founder of IMPRA, Dodo Monamodi.
Oskido shared some hilarious memories he shared with Winnie.
He encouraged her kids to take care of the house Winnie bought with royalties from the song, Live My Life.
He said the house is left with a R50 000 bond and that Rethabile must pay off the debt for her mum.
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo said Winnie has entered heaven.
“People don’t know that she never touched a drop of alcohol, but when we were together, you wouldn’t tell. That’s how cheerful she was. She didn’t need alcohol, drugs and all those things,” he said.
ALSO READ | BACK TO SCHOOL: Sol Phenduka and TT Mbha are super dads!
Founder of Basadi in Music Awards, Hloni Modise said she was hurt as Winnie said she wanted to hold a Basadi award.
“I want to stand here now and say we must give people flowers when they are still here. We’ve been saying this for a long time. Can I ask that right now we give all the women their flowers when they are still alive?” she said after making the women stand up while the audience applauded them.
DJ Cleo said he and Winnie always fought, but later rekindled.
“I’m the kind of person who holds grudges, but Winnie and I got back together a lot of times,” he said.
He said he was wearing an RIP T-shirt the last time he saw her. “We have lost a talent in the industry. It’s not a good time,” he said.
For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link
0 Comments