Sibongile Khumalo Biography, Age, Husband, Children, Family, Cause of Death, Net Worth, Married

Sibongile Khumalo Biography – Sibongile Khumalo Wiki

Sibongile Khumalo was a South African singer. She was a world-renowned jazz and opera vocalist with a career spanning over 30 years. She was born to Grace and Khabi Mngoma in a household filled with music. Her father was a professor of music and her mother a nurse with a lush alto voice. Guided by her father, Khumalo began her musical journey at the age of eight under Emily Motsieloa, studying violin, singing, drama and dance. At the age of 14, Khumalo knew she wanted to be an opera singer. Her father discouraged her for it would have meant studying overseas since there were no opportunities for black people in South Africa, especially for opera singers.

Khumalo decided to teach music instead, going on to complete a BA in music at the University of Zululand, and obtaining a BA Hons from the University of the Witwatersrand. Khumalo also held a Higher Diploma in Personnel Management.

With limited music teaching opportunities in schools in the black community, Khumalo took to working in independent institutions as a music teacher, administrator and researcher, including at Fuba Academy and the Madimba Institute of African Music based at the Funda Centre in Soweto.

Around 1991, Khumalo was driven to begin singing professionally. She was launched into the limelight when she won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award at the Grahamstown Arts Festival in 1993. Her illustrious career saw her release several critically acclaimed and award winning albums and graced a variety of prestigious events both locally and internationally.

She performed with many celebrated groups and artists and has graced many an honoured occasion, including former President Nelson Mandela’s 75th birthday and 1994 inauguration. She also led the South African and New Zealand national anthems at the World Cup rugby final in 1995.

Other career highlights include her debut album, Ancient Evenings, in 1996; a CD and television recordings of Mzilikazi Khumalo’s uSkaka ka Senzangakhona; performing as the mezzo-soprano soloist for Sir David Willcocks in the Verdi Requiem that the London Bach Choir took to South Africa; performing at the Two Nations Celebrate Concert honouring Nelson Mandela at the Royal Albert Hall; and the SAA/Sibongile Khumalo national tour, according to a biography on SA Presidency website.

Among her many accolades are the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music in 1993, four South African Music Awards for her light music and jazz recordings, and three FNB Vita Awards for her opera and concert work. She was awarded by President Thabo Mbeki The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for Her excellent contribution to the development of South African art and culture in the musical fields of jazz and opera.

Sibongile Khumalo Age

She was born on 24 September 1957 in Orlando, Soweto. She died on 28 January 2021. She was 63 years old.

Sibongile Khumalo Husband

Sibongile Khumalo was married to her husband, Siphiwe Khumalo. He died of a heart attack in December 2005. He passed away at his home in Yeoville, Johannesburg, after returning from a visit to a West Rand mall. Lindelwa Mahlabe, a spokesperson for the Windybrow Centre for the Arts, where Khumalo was the production director, said at the time: “He came back from the mall and said he was feeling tired and lay down on the couch, where he is believed to have had a heart attack.” Sibongile Khumalo’s ex-husband, Siphiwe Khumalo, was an experienced actor, lighting and sound technician, director, coach to drama students in stage management, and venue manager.

Sibongile Khumalo Children

She had two children, Ayanda Khumalo and Tshepo Khumalo.

Sibongile Khumalo Family

She was the daughter of Grace and Khabi Mngoma. Her parents were actively involved in the upliftment of the community through the arts. Her father was a professor in music and her mother was a nurse.

Sibongile Khumalo Death

Sibongile Khumalo died on 28 January 2021 at the age of 63 after a lengthy period of illness. The news was announced in a statement by the Sibongile Khumalo Family. The statement read in part: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Sibongile Khumalo our iconic, world-celebrated South African singer, affectionately known as Ma’Mngoma (24 September 1957 – 28 January 2021).

“She will be missed by all who had the privilege of experiencing her music, her friendship and her love. Dr Sibongile Khumalo succumbed to stroke related complications after a lengthy period of illness. The family is grateful for the support and prayers during this time.”

Sibongile Khumalo Cause of Death

Sibongile Khumalo’s cause of death was “stroke related complications after a lengthy period of illness,” the family confirmed.