Johannesburg - Six years ago today, sassy and talented singer, and self-labelled “Drama Queen” Lebo Mathosa was killed in a car accident.
Her sultry voice, captivating live performances and provocative stage outfits left its mark on the country’s music industry.
On Monday, however, her life’s work, spanning 18 years, was sold to the highest bidder.
The sheriff of the court in Midrand auctioned off 65 percent of her music rights, which had previously been owned by her late adoptive mother, Nomvula Mathosa.
“After Mathosa died, there was a dispute between her biological mother, Judy Peter, and her adoptive mother, Nomvula. Although Nomvula raised Lebo, there was never a proper adoption process.
“After Lebo’s death, Peter made a claim that she was Lebo’s sole heir,” said Jurgens Bekker, from Jurgens Bekker Attorneys, the firm representing Peter.
Mathosa died without leaving a will, and eventually her estate, which was estimated to be worth about R1 million, was split between the two families - 35 percent went to Peter and 65 percent to Nomvula.
Peter won a settlement of R375 000 against the Mathosa family to be recognised as Lebo’s biological mother.
At the time, Peter reportedly said: “It was not about the money. I just wanted to be recognised as her mother. That’s all.”
However, according to Bekker, the Mathosa family never paid the settlement amount.
“Their [Mathosa’s] house was sold for R175 000, which left a balance of R200 000. Last week, her other music rights were sold at R175 000,” Bekker said.
Mathosa began her music career with 1990s kwaito group Boom Shaka when she was just 15 years old. The group gained huge success, and in 1999 Mathosa branched out and began her solo career.
She debuted with an album titled Dream, which went gold in four weeks. She scooped top awards at the South African Music Awards (Samas) in 2001, for Best Dance Album, Best Dance Single and Best Female Vocalist. She released her second album, Drama Queen, three years later and again won a Sama in the Best Dance Album category.
Monday’s bidding started at R10 000 to a small crowd of bidders.
Ultimately, Mathosa’s musical prowess, which had captivated businessman Baldwin Thoka many years ago, was the motivation behind him bidding R95 000 to walk away with the rights.
“I’ve always liked Lebo as an artist and I’ve been listening to her music for a long time. I still listen to her music till this day,” Thoka said shyly.
“I wanted to be the one to get the rights because I felt for her music to go on auction like that was…” he paused, regaining his composure, “I’m just a fan who loves her music.”
The Star