Sixty-five-year-old academic and amapiano star, Olpha Selepe, known by the stage name “Gee Six Five,” has been described as a hero and diligent person who set a good example for other young and upcoming artists.
Selepe was buried on Monday in Newcastle in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
She died just weeks after her single, Obani Labantu, became a hit:
There was a sombre atmosphere at Selepe’s funeral in Newcastle.
Close family members, relatives and municipal officials attended her funeral.
Obani Labantu was her first hit. After the song became a hit, Selepe was invited to perform at various venues.
Her sister, Ntombenhle Mpungose, described Selepe as a loving person and someone who was passionate about education.
“She was so loving, diligent, liked education and was courageous. She was so strict but at the same time, she was fair and she was assertive. We will remember her as a person who loved education as she has been doing her PhD.”
Selepe’s son, Fika Selepe, paid tribute to his mother as a hard worker.
“I will remember her bravery. She was brave. She went all out to make sure that all her dreams are achieved. We have not accepted it yet and we are still grieving as a family but we will heal.”
Fika Selepe says he will miss his mother every time he hears the song Obani Lababantu.
Selepe speaks about her hit song:
