The Sunday News
Mphefumlo wam’, wophelelaphi? Wezinhlungu zalomhlaba, Ilanga lam’ seliyashona, Nkosi yam’, nguwe okwaziyo. (My soul, when will be your destiny? Given the pains of this earth. My sun is setting. My Lord, only you know.)
These are part of the seemingly prophetic tunes belted out in a career spanning 18 years by Lundi Tyamara, son to one Nobantu, who after giving birth to a baby boy and obviously soaked in the joys of motherhood named him Lundi, Xhosa name for horizon. She never imagined she had just given birth to a star who would shine and take gospel music to new horizons.
Thanks to that melodious voice coupled with a unique ability to hit high notes, amid powerful lyrics. Remember that golden voice at the then Nguva Yakwana Annual Gospel Concerts which brought together Southern Africa’s gospel crème de la crème? The voice in that perfect collaboration with our now prodigal gospel queen, Fungisai Zvakavapano in the song Tichamuona? The voice in the track Mbulali Wami, with Deborah Fraser, the legendary Brenda Fassie and Peter Mokoena?
Sadly, the voice bearer will never be seen this side of heaven as he recently succumbed to the realities of immortality at a Johannesburg hospital.
The horizon is the apparent line that separates earth from sky. At many locations, the horizon is obscured by trees, buildings, mountains and other obstacles. Ironically, South Africa’s Lundi Tyamara’s talent was occasionally obscured by a controversial lifestyle. Popular at age 21, and failing to handle pressure from fame and fortune at a tender age, he dedicated his life to drugs and alcohol. At one point, he boldly declared, “I am gay and proud”, much to the disdain and disgust of the Christian community.
He was once involved in a brawl and belted out unholy tunes to his former manager, Tshepo Nzimande, threatening him that he would die “with his mouth wide open”, literally implying that he will die like a dog. A death threat case was opened against him as a result and in all the setbacks, the media never missed an opportunity to sumptuously feast.
“I used to drink for years. I would just change drinking spots until the media eventually caught on to my habit. I now attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to make me stronger and I stay informed to avoid a relapse,” once remarked the award winning gospel star who was crowned Best Africa Male Gospel Artist in 2004 by the All Africa Music Awards (KORA).
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). After all, grace will locate and save sinners. Now that he is gone, and ready to meet his maker, whether his maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting him is another matter, saved for the resurrection morning, for nobody knows his last communication with his maker.
What matters now is that Lundi has fought and finished his race in ministering the gospel through music. Many were touched, many were inspired, and many turned from their wicked ways while others found solace and courage to soldier on in difficult times and in moments of distress and grief. God will judge him according to his works, and who knows? He may be part of those chosen few, amaqhawe azobongwa, aphiwe imiqhele, abuse njalonjalo leNkosi yamakhosi.
Paul says in Timothy, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief”.
Lundi’s music had a far reaching impact. He arguably inspired our own Kudzi Nyakudya who tried to emulate him in almost all respects (when singing). Kudzi Nyakudya came under heavy criticism for lacking a sense of originality. Initially, he had the attention but later, his fans got fed up forcing him to turn to hymns and choruses.
Talents are inborn and such was Lundi’s.
Despite all the controversies, the Ongqongqozayo hit maker’s music arguably touched many hearts. He will be remembered for his powerful songs, notably, Mina Ngithembu Jesu, Lethukukhanya, Ubuhlungu, Mvuleleni Angene, Basheshe Bahleka, Phaphamani and a lot more.
Lundi Tyamara began his career after being spotted by former producer Tshepo Nzimande as a back-up vocalist for the legendary Rebecca Malope. He rose to fame with the hit Mphefumlo Wami, which according to his former manager, sold a whopping 18 000 copies between October and December 1998.
In the hit Mphefumlo wami, Lundi pleads with his maker. He questions his destiny, in a world full of trials, temptations and tribulations. Before surrendering everything to his creator. Sadly, the sun has set for him sparking mixed feelings as fans celebrate his life and contribution to the music industry.
Ironically, Southern Africa has of late been robbed of other young artistes in Sifiso Ncwane and Mduduzi “Mandoza” Tshabalala who also died aged 38, like Lundi. I wish the three stars could collaborate on the beautiful shore during that resurrection morning.
Lundi’s 18-year old music career was characterised with ups and downs. Once referred to as the “prodigal son of gospel”, at times it never rained but poured for the Prince of gospel. He lost both parents in 2006. As if that was not enough, his longtime manager, Tshepo Nzimande left the BULA Music stable.
The events which followed dealt a blow to Lundi’s decorated career as consequently, the next three albums he recorded had sales dropping to nothing. Yet during his prime time, he was one of a handful of South African artistes who exceeded unit sales of one million, with every release having exceeded double platinum. He had close to 14 albums in a golden music career.
He was charitable. In 2005 he raised
R30 000 from four shows to help a woman whose husband had poured acid on her face as she battled for her life in hospital.
Lundi was also involved in other charitable activities and fundraising for the less privileged throughout his career. His former manager, Tshepo Nzimande has described him as a “go getter”.
One stupid thing about this shameless animal called death is that it only robs humanity of the presence of its beloved but forgets to rob it of the legacy and memories they leave behind. That is why some day death will be asked: Where is your sting?
The fallen gospel star, who died last week at a Johannesburg hospital after a long battle with stomach TB and liver complications, has sung his last note but he has left a lasting legacy through his powerful music, amid an array of lessons. For his followers, he will always be remembered and hopefully, Heaven’s doors will be opened for him ma engqonqqoza.
Burial is in Cape Town today.
