Veteran South African gospel artist Solomon Molokoane, widely known as Solly Moholo, has died at the age of 65, his management confirmed.
The award-winning gospel icon had been in hospital for several weeks after falling ill during a music tour in Botswana last month. Moholo rose to stardom in the early 2000s and became a celebrated figure in South African traditional gospel music. His management praised him for the “healing music he gifted us over the years.”
Last month, his team revealed that Moholo had suffered a stroke and was battling multiple organ failure. His family launched a public appeal for assistance with medical expenses.
In an official statement, his management announced, “It is with great sadness that we inform you, on behalf of the Molokoane family, that our beloved legend ‘Solly Moholo’ has passed away. He died on 2nd October 2024, while in hospital.”
Solly Moholo was best known for popular gospel hits such as Die poppe sal dans, Ka letsatsi labofelo, Tsoha Jonase, and many others. Fans, fellow gospel artists, and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the star, with the state-run SABC news website noting, “He has left an indelible mark in the industry with his soulful gospel music and energetic live performances.”
The Molokoane family has asked for privacy as they mourn and make preparations for his burial.