JOHANNESBURG, December 5 (ANA) – Thousands of fans of award-winning gospel artist, Sfiso Ncwane, took to social media on Monday to share their grief at the news that he has died from suspected kidney failure at the age of 37.
According to a KwaZulu-Natal based gospel community station, Highway Radio, Ncwane passed away at Fourways Life hospital in Johannesburg on Monday morning after a short illness.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the Ncwane family. We have received the saddest news that our beloved friend Sfiso Ncwane passed away this morning the 5th of December 2016. Cause unconfirmed as yet. Please keep the family in prayer,” Highway posted on Facebook.
Ncwane’s management company, Ncwane Communications, did not immediately confirm the news.
According to Drum Magazine, Ncwane’s sister Gugu confirmed that he had died and said the family was in shock.
Ncwane on Saturday failed to show up at the Kaya FM Soul Inspired concert at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort where he was scheduled to perform.
The gospel legend was famous for hits such as “Phakama Nkosi yeZulu” and “Kulungile Baba” which won the South African Music Awards ‘Record of the year’in 2013 and was nominated for Crown Awards Song of the Year.
Ncwane has survived several health scares before, including fainting spells, being struck by lightening and a heart attack.
After his heart attack, Ncwane thanked his ‘spiritual father’ Reverend Francis Anosike, by buying him a R1.9 million Mercedes Benz as a gift, a move that strained his relationship with his mother who accused the musician of not providing for her.
Ncwane is survived by his wife Ayanda and their two children Ngcweti and Umawenzokuhle, as well as a daughter Nqobile from a previous relationship.
– African News Agency (ANA)
