SPEAKER after speaker at the service agreed. Lundi was a happy soul who loved everybody.
Scores of friends and family members gathered yesterday at the Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto in an emotional farewell to the Prince of Gospel, Lundi Tyamara.
In honour of the 38-year-old Mphefumulo Wami hitmaker, close friends and fellow musicians at the memorial service sang some of the songs which made him a star.
Among the mourners were gospel artist Rebecca Malope, Pastor Benjamin Dube and Deborah Fraser.
Thina Zungu and the Jeziel brothers performed, while Sizwe Zako played the piano for Rebecca Malope, who sang a heartwarming hymn.
Speaking from the podium, Lundi’s former manager, Tshepo Nzimande, said Zako and Rebecca carried Lundi in the music industry.
“Lundi touched many souls. He changed our lives. When I first heard him sing Mphefumulo Wami I knew the album would sell.”
Lundi died on Friday morning at Edenvale Hospital after a long battle with stomach TB and a liver condition.
Sandile Simama, Lundi’s friend, said Mzansi was mourning a music legend who was destroyed by the media.
“The media killed him spiritually.
“Lundi’s been off drugs for over 10 years but the media only knows the Lundi of drugs.”
Deborah told the packed hall that before she heard about Lundi’s death, she dreamt about him giving her flowers. “When I heard the phone ring in the morning, I knew what they were going to say.
“We have secrets that we shared with Lundi. He was a flower of South Africa.”
Hlaudi Motsoeneng said: “When I think of Lundi I think of his voice and talent.
“I see unity among artists but when we leave here, I know we won’t see this. Mzansi artists love others when they die. You must love one another when still alive.”
Sechaba Padi had to be calmed down after delivering a sad speech in which he said the music industry doesn’t love its artists, because they’re only celebrated once they’re dead.
