The news of the sudden death of Dr Malibongwe Gcwabe (51) shocked many of his fans, family and friends as news broke out on social media. According to reports Malibongwe died after he was rushed to hospital after complaining about a tight chest and shortness of breath. The Gcwabe family confirmed in a media statement that Malibongwe passed away on Wednesday the 13th May 2020 in East London.
The Gcwabe family have assembled a funeral coordination team to assist with the burial of pastor Malibongwe in the mist of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations. The family spokesperson Lucky Shongwe also mentioned that a post Covid-19 Lockdown memorial service and unveiling will be held for Malibongwe as soon as conditions allow and the date will be communicated to all those who would like to be apart of it.
Malibongwe, a popular South African traditional gospel artist, Pastor, husband, businessman and author who was based in Eastern Cape was loved by many and his sudden death came as a shock. His Music journey started in church as a music leader and was then part of many gospel groups before he started his solo career as a recording gospel artist. Malibongwe also began ministry work as an ordained pastor and founded the Ramnant Ministries in 2011 to fulfill his gospel calling.
Back in 2004, he decided to pursue his solo career and released his first album Umlilo kaJesu. Malibongwe had recorded over 18 albums already in his career that began at a young age and was in the process of recording a possible joint album with fellow musician Khanyisa.
Fellow musician Khanyisa Sabuka met Malibongwe in the 1990s where they attended the Assemblies of God church in the Eastern Cape region and later were part of the Youth With Mission gospel group together.
Malibongwe was in good form, healthy and showed no signs of slowing down, he had just recorded a single with fellow Eastern Cape based gospel musician Khanyisa Sabuka a few weeks back about Covid-19, Khanyisa says the Malibongwe was in high spirits as usual during the recording. Khanyisa and Malibongwe were still planning the music video recording of the Covid-19 song.
Tributes continue to come flooding in on social media at the news of the sudden death of Malibongwe from fellow artists, clergy, fans, friends and family. The family has partnered with various radio stations to broadcast messages and celebrate the life of Dr Malibongwe Gcwabe. such as Kieth Ngesi Radio, Tru Fm, Link Fm. Izwilethemba FM, kumkani FM to name a few.