ON TUESDAY, 19 July, friends, family and colleagues of Busi Lurayi gathered to celebrate her life.
The actress (35) died on Sunday, 10 July, leaving behind a daughter.
Singer and songwriter Simphiwe Dana sang at the memorial service held at the Market Theatre in Newtown, Joburg.
Busi’s father, Freddie Mokoena, said since she was young, she was vocal and didn’t want people to mess her around. He said she never wanted to harm anyone but knew what she wanted out of life. “She was always fearless. For those she rubbed badly, I apologise for her,” he said.
Busi’s aunt, Sonti Lurayi, said she loved performing, even at home.
“Busi started performing her own monologue at the tender age of two.
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“She started at her creche in Tembisa,” she said. Sonti described Busi as one of the greatest people she knew and said she loved cooking. “She used to keep us busy during the lockdown in 2020.
“I even gained weight because of her,” she said.
Busi’s cousin, Faith Mavuso, said she was an incredible actress and the light and love of her life.
Actor Warren Masemola said it was hard to lose a close friend he always worked well with.
“It’s difficult for me to say goodbye to my friend. We met on set in 2014,” she said.
Warren said they spoke about everything and she even taught him a lot about gay people, as he played some gay characters.
“I love you, my friend, and I will always carry you. I am so hurt right now and I will always miss you,” he said.
Thuli Thabethe said she used to speak to Busi on the phone for hours and hours.
“She was my work wife. Thank you, Busi, for everything you taught me,” she said.
The funeral service of the late actress will be held on Wednesday, 20 July, at Redemption Church in Greenstone, Joburg at 8am.