Local singer Nichume Siwundla has been confirmed dead this Friday in a statement sent on behalf of her record label, Top Chap Media.
The singer who was well known for her 2017 breakout hit, Bhutiza, was found at a friend’s place last night following an apparent suicide.
Nichume’s brother, Qamani Siwundla Spoke on behalf of the family, expressing the shocka nd hurt that came with her death news.
“We, as a family are in absolute shock as to what has happened. Learning that your sister has succumbed to emotions and taken her own life can never rest well. We obviously are left with a lot of questions but also know that she had one of the strongest characters in the family. Whatever she was feeling at that moment triggered immense hopelessness. We stand united as a family during this difficult time. Nichume was so loved and appreciated. We are proud of all her achievements,” he said.
Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa also paid tribute to the late star on Twitter, saying:
“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a shining star, the celebrated musician Nichume Refeloe Siwundla – a talented daughter of the soil whose lovely voice reverberated in our hearts & gifted us lasting memories. We send our deepest sympathies to her loved ones,” he wrote.
Nchume’s mentor and friend also expressed his hurt on social media and shared a snap of themselves together.
“I’m distraught. I will remember Nichume as a bright light at Top Chap Media where we signed her. She was not only my first artist, but we had grown so close in the past three years that she became my little sister. She truly is gone too soon. May her soul rest in peace.”
#RipNichume I’m lost for words 💔 How do I continue without you 😭 pic.twitter.com/NfKwsMnZ6d
— Mobi Dixon (@mobidixon) June 7, 2019
