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Pretoria. — South African renowned musician and former member of Sankomota, Tsepo Tshola, has died.

Born and bred in Lesotho, the 67-year-old died back home yesterday morning due to Covid-19 complications, the family has confirmed in a statement.

“Tsepo Tshola, Sankomota’s world renowned Village Pope, succumbed to a Covid-19 related illness this morning in Teyateyaneng, Lesotho,” said the family.

According to friends, Tshola collapsed last week at his sister’s funeral.

The legendary singer established his name as a songwriter and lead vocalist of Sankomota.

Among the timeless hits is “Ho lokile”, a tribute song Tshola wrote after his wife died. 

The group released nine albums before it was disbanded. Tshola pursued a solo career, releasing among other albums..

Music promoter Peter Tladi said Tshola’s death was a sad loss for the music industry.

Tladi, who worked with Tshola for many years, said Tshola was a brilliant musician and arranger.

“Tsepo was also a poet of note,” he said. “I met him in the 1980s while the group Sankomota was still struggling before they went to England. 

“He was a talented and disciplined artist. He respected his craft and has never given me any problems when I worked with him.” — Sowetan.