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By Citizen Reporter

Journalist


Gospel musician Neyi Zimu passes on

Condolences have been pouring in on social media.


Well-known gospel musician and pastor Neyi Zimu has passed on after a long illness.

Zimu died on Wednesday after being admitted at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital’s Zakithi Nkosi Haematology Centre for Excellence, where he had been undergoing chemotherapy for skin cancer.

Another message, however, said he passed away at a hospital in Modderfontein.

The EFF, along with his music colleagues have been sending condolences to the Zimu family following his passing.

In a statement, the party said: “Pastor Zimu has been on the South African gospel scene from the early 1990s. No wonder in 1996 he was one of the founders of Family Factory and Joyous Celebration. This collective saw him collaborate with various artists. In 2001, he released his much-anticipated album Excited which featured Concorde Nkabinde and Jazz duo Tsunami.

“He also was central in the music project, Spirit of Praise, that include other gospel giants like Pastors Benjamin Dube, Solly Mahlangu, Lebo Sekgobela and others.

“The EFF has been graced by his undying support in prayer and music. In our rallies, he has ministered and always told us to trust in God. That was his message, leading us at all times, to confess to the truth of ages, ‘In Jehovah we trust’.”

His illness became public after his friends and colleagues called for prayers, with prayer meetings being held in his honour.

His friend Omega Khunou paid tribute to him at the Spiritual Awakening Concert held at Sun City two weeks back.

At the time, the Economic Freedom Fighters paid a visit to Zimu at the hospital and announced that he had been “recovering well”.

Condolences have been pouring in for the pastor, who was known for his hit songs Lamb of God and Retshepile Wena.

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