By REGINALD KANYANE
8 January 2025- The heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in after the passing of South African singer and actress, Winnie Khumalo at the age of 51. Khumalo, who was an Afro-pop singer, and known for her hit song Live My Life, died on Tuesday on her way to hospital after a short illness.
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said it is with profound sadness to learn of the passing of the legendary Khumalo, who tragically left us on 7 January 2025. McKenzie said her untimely death marks a great loss for South Africa and the music industry.
“Khumalo was raised by her grandmother in a time of vibrant cultural life. Her early education began at Vuyo Lower Primary and continued at Esiyalwini Higher Primary, ultimately culminating in her matriculation at Mncube Senior Secondary School.
“At the tender age of 15, Khumalo released her debut album, Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina, produced by the renowned Sello Chicco Twala. She followed this with another album, Dlamini, setting the stage for a prolific music career that spanned decades,” he said.
McKenzie further said her musical journey was nothing short of remarkable. He added that, in the 1990s, Khumalo recorded the gospel album Izono Zami, produced by Pastor Langa Dube and collaborated with iconic artists and groups such as the late Brenda Fassie, Brothers of Peace, Bongo Maffin, DJ Cleo, and Zonke Dikana.
“She was not only a talented lead vocalist, but a formidable backing vocalist, enriching the work of those she collaborated with. After a seven-year hiatus, she returned with the electrifying album Live My Life, which became an instant classic.
“The title track, I Just Wanna Live My Life, dominated music charts, earning gold certification with over 25,000 copies sold and 50,000 mobile downloads,” said McKenzie.
He said the song’s success saw Khumalo nominated for prestigious awards such as the Channel O Music Awards and the South African Music Awards, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the industry.
McKenzie said she collaborated with Twala on Mina Ngiyohlala Nginje, and starred as Brenda Fassie in The Brenda Fassie Musical under the direction of Jerry Mofokeng.
“Her later albums, including Woman (2013), Higher and Higher (2013), Ncgocgo Lo Mfazi (2015), and The Storm: Isivunguvungu (2022),reflected her personal growth and resilience. Tracks like Woman and Impilo, showcased her ability to channel life’s challenges into powerful and relatable music,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa said: “Khumalo was a legend. It fills us with great pride that she has left us some good memories of her undeniable artistic abilities.
“The music industry benefited greatly from her distinct voice and song-writing ability.”
The Guardian 