Tributes are pouring in for late legendary gospel star Dr Kenny Makweng who passed away on Monday evening following a short illness at the age of 51.
A staunch member of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), Makweng, who shot to fame with his debut album “Eloyi Lamasabakathane” with Masogana A Kgotso in 1997, suffered a stroke on the 31st of December and remained in a critical condition in hospital until his passing on Monday.
Since his passing fellow artists and gospel music fans have been sending their condolences to the Makweng family and expressing their shock at the passing of a ZCC gospel music legend – a gospel genre which originated from within the ZCC church.
“My night did not end well. You were one of the artists I loved so much and called you Malome wa bana baka (my kids’ uncle). Motho wa go hloka ditshele (a person who never held grudges), accommodating everyone with so much love and respect,” writes Dr Winnie Mashaba on social media.
“Thank you for all the memories we have created, Mokone. I’m surely gonna miss your voicenotes calling me Kgaetšedi (sister) and how you kept on checking on us. Yesterday I was really hoping that they would update me on how better you were but that msg of re paletswe ke go diša messed up my night,” she added.
Long-time friend and backing vocalist, Thulani Mthimunye, wrote, “I wish someone can wake me up to tell me it’s a dream. Rest in Peace my Friend, my brother Dr Kenny Makweng. I had hope that you will wake up, but only God knows.”
“We are still speechless. The news of your passing left us broken and numb since last night. This is totally tragic and shattering news. Our hearts go out to your family and your boys. May God give them the strength they require in this moment. May your beautiful soul find peace Makweng,” writes two-time SAMA Award nominee Sione Gospel group, Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumilo.
Makweng who was born in Mpumalanga first into the music industry in 1987 as a founding member of the Mabopane-based Nkosana and Stocks and Stocks gospel choir formed by the late Charles Nkosana Kodi.
He took part in the group’s maiden album A Ba Rapele Ka Nnete produced by Solomon Molokwane popularly known as Solly Moholo.
Following the passing of his father in 1994, Makweng returned to Mpumalanga and he ceased to be a member of Stocks and Stocks before he was eventually persuaded to get back to recording music in 1997. That year he released Eloyi Lamasabakathane with Masogana A Kgotso, the first of a string of projects he produced until his passing.
During his 27-year career as a recording artist, Makweng worked with music giants including the late Oleseng Shuping, Nkosana, Lucas ‘Mojeremane’ Xale on The Rock, and collaborated with other artists including the late Nana Coyote. Bafana Ba Mmino, Kenny with Friends are some of the groups Makweng formed.
“In the hallowed echoes of Gospel music, let us remember Dr Kenny Makweng’s resounding notes of his faith and the harmonies that transcended time. In the symphony of eternity, his melodies will forever resonate, guiding us through the corridors of hope and grace. His soul-stirring music touched countless hearts, leaving a lasting impact on the spirit of those who listened,” explains gospel group Zion Afrika on social media.
Friend and church member, Lesiba Movalo, has described Makweng as a singer with a big heart.
“I remember in 2015, when he released the album, ‘Ke Mosione’, everyone was (forced) to actually reflect on their conscience about their faith and relationship with God of Mount Zion. He sang this song, when his faith was tempered with, reminding everyone that my baptism in this church will remain permanent and none amongst the people can question my relationship with this God. We have lost a giant in music,” says Movalo.
Makweng’s funeral will be held on Sunday in Mpumalanga while details around his memorial service scheduled for Friday are expected to be announced later on Wednesday.
