Solly Moholo to be Laid to Rest on Saturday
Veteran South African gospel artist Solomon Molokoane, popularly known as Solly Moholo, will be laid to rest on Saturday in Tshwane.
His family has announced a memorial service to be held at the state theatre on Wednesday
The 65-year-old award-winning music icon had been in hospital for several weeks after falling ill while on a music tour in Botswana last month.
The Thaba Ya Sione singer had suffered a mild stroke and multiple organ failure, requiring medical intervention, including brain surgery.
He was meant to release an album titled Wubani O zo Pepeza this month. He had already released a single of the same title. The album will be released this Friday.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his deep condolences to the Molokoane family, paying tribute to Moholo’s immense contributions to South African culture, particularly within the gospel music scene.
“Solly Moholo provided the melodies, rhythms, and words of inspiration and comfort… that were the soundtrack of faith, worship, and community for millions of South Africans.” said Ramaphosa
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) released a statement highlighting how Moholo’s music served as a spiritual balm during times of personal and national hardship. “His music healed the soul,” the SACC’s statement noted.
Political parties, including ActionSA, also paid their respects, acknowledging Moholo’s deep roots within South Africa’s religious communities and his enduring legacy as a unifier through music. Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA, described Moholo as “a national treasure” whose voice will continue to resonate for generations to come.