26 May 2008

The Ministry of Arts & Culture mourns the passing on of a legendary live performer, gospel singer and religious activist, Vuyo Mokoena who died recently from a brain tumour.

He was 39 years of age.

But we were blessed with this highly gifted artist whose life was an instrument of peace, harmony and understanding through music that nourished the soul and brought diverse people together.

In his own unique manner, Mokoena epitomized how the youth can be agents of the change they want to see. He used his talent to preach the gospel of self-love, discipline and responsibility.

At the height of his career, Mokoena was the front man for renowned multi-award winning Joyous Celebration, widely considered the custodians of gospel music in southern Africa.

There is no doubt that Mokoena’s uplifting vocal range, his formidable physical presence and energetic power enhanced the quality of the music and its impact on the psyche of his audience.

He partnered with gospel queen, Rebecca Malope until 2001 before he ventured into pursuit of a solo career that saw him emerge as gospel’s leading light.

Mokoena was moulded by his devout grand-mother, MaMokoena who inculcated a sense of purpose and determination into him through a strict upbringing.

Born in 1968 in Duduza, Ekurhuleni, Mokoena was drawn into the Student Christian Movement which ignited his passion for gospel music.

At the time of his death, Mokoena had established an intuitive relationship with his fans throughout southern Africa who continued to see him as an exemplary artist who did not use drugs or take alcohol.

His career began with a group known as Pure Magic in the early1990s. This was a pioneering music project that fused gospel with infectious and danceable rhythm.

This culminated in his collaboration with musician friend, Jabu Hlongwane with whom Mokoena pursued a new gospel of Iculo Elisha – a new song for new times – which espoused self-transformation, focus, discipline and determination among the people, especially young stars.

We do believe that Mokoena has helped lay a solid foundation for future gospel stars that will go on to fly the flag of a liberated South Africa that will help heal the soul of the world.

His passing on is a tragic loss for the gospel fraternity and to our national cultural life.

For further details, call:
Sandile Memela
Spokesperson for the Minister of Arts and Culture
Cell: 082 800 3750

Premi Appalraju
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 903 6778

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