Talented soul jazz singer Lulu Dikana has passed away. She was 35-years-old.
The older sister of X-Factor judge Zonke Dikana died after a short illness. The cause of death is as yet unconfirmed.
In a statement released by Sony Music Entertainment, her manager said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected and tragic loss of soul songstress Lulu Dikana who passed away on Wednesday night after a short illness while being treated in hospital. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and all her fans who came to know and love her through her music.”
Dikana had only recently released her latest album ‘I Came to Love’. She had opened for US RnB star John Legend during the Johannesburg dates for his “All of Me” tour.
Dikana was scheduled to perform at Skyroomline in Braamfontein this week to promote her new music, but was forced to cancel the show after taking ill.
Oskido and Native Rhythm Records MD Velile Sithole are currently at the hospital with Zonke, who shared a very close bond with her sister, as revealed by Lulu in an emotional interview with Tonight’s Therese Owen in October.
She explained that she was still deciding whether to record and sign with a new label when their sister Busisiwe died, and it was Zonke who helped lead her on the right path.
“I had just started writing again when tragedy struck,” said the Afro-soul singer.
“After my second album I didn’t want to record again. Then my wonderful sister, Zonke, suggested to Sony that they sign me. She always wants me next to her. She wanted me by her side. We grew up very close and throughout our professional lives we have been together. We were at Kalawa Jazmee and then Native Rhythm Records.”
In an interview with The Times, Lulu revealed that she had suffered a health scare in 2009, saying that she suffered from “an oesophageal perforation which occurs when there is a hole in the oesophagus”.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be as serious as that,” she said.
“We had spent two weeks in Port Elizabeth, where we buried my dad. On my way back to Johannesburg I fell so ill that I had to be carried in a wheelchair straight from the plane to hospital.
“I was so grief-stricken and had my guard down, which I never allow. I remember trying to drink and eat something and choking. I could speak, but I coughed a lot,” said Dikana.
Busisiwe passed away in May last year. The cause of death was not disclosed. In 2009, her father, the respected jazz drummer Vuyisile “Viva” Dikana passed away.
Tributes for Dikana have been pouring in across the social media networks.
“Rest in Peace Lulu Dikana. May you have a beautiful journey back home,” wrote presenter and actress Boity Thulo.
Rapper HHP also paid his respects, posting: “#RIPLuluDikana *very hurt”.
“Lulu Dikana has passed on. Music with integrity and honesty which no doubt reflected her life, too sad!” wrote musician RJ Benjamin. - Tonight Reporter