Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Mandela-chosen 'Black Pavarotti' dies weeks before World Cup performance

Published>Thu, May 27 10 12:09 PM

Cape Town, May 27(ANI): A South African opera singer, dubbed 'Black Pavarotti' and chosen by Nelson Mandela to sing at next month's World Cup opening ceremony has died at age 34 of meningitis, his record label said.

Epic Records said that Siphiwo Ntshebe was preparing for rehearsals when he contracted meningitis last week and was admitted to a hospital in Port Elizabeth. He died on Tuesday.

Ntshebe, who studied at London's Royal College of Music between 2004 and 2007, was due to perform his new track 'Hope' at the opening ceremony in Johannesburg on June 11.

"Ntshebe's death was a tragedy for all those who believe in the power of music," BBC quoted Nick Raphael, Epic boss, as saying.

"He had a truly wondrous voice and his music was unique in its melodies and its messages of hope and compassion," he added.

Earlier, Mandela had previously praised him as "a young South African with so much talent that has, despite challenges of the past, chosen to work hard at a better future". (ANI)


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