South African gospel artist Solomon Molokoane, popularly known as Solly Moholo, has been eulogized as a ‘loving father and a prayerful man’ by hundreds of family, friends and fans that gathered for his funeral service on 8 October 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Survived by his wife and three children - Thabang, Lobisa and Katlego - Molokoane’s family said they had lost a pillar, an encourager and a fighter. Lobisa, said her father bid his farewell and remained steadfast even on his deathbed.
“There was a time he was able to wake up and he prayed for the whole hospital, the nurses and all of us. Imagine a person being sick but praying for us. That’s what my father was,” said Lobisa during the memorial service.
Thabang said that his father was a God-fearing man, a believer in respecting people despite their background and a risk-taker. Thabang added that his father’s music and advise played a critical role in his journey with depression
“Losing a man who was my rock in terms of seeking counsel when I needed to organise my own personal life has left a very huge void in the family,” said Thabang.
When Katlego took the stage to share her father’s memory, she remembered the lessons that he left her with. “My father taught me that the truth was in a person’s eyes, so that’s why I am not wearing shades, I want you to see the pain I am feeling,” said Katlego, whose birthday was the day before her father’s demise.
Solly’s wife, Lebo, said he was loving, caring and remarkable.“You made me laugh, you made me smile. You were my companion and dear friend. Forever will you live on, in my heart and always in my mind,” said Lebo in a speech read by Lobisa.
Solly was known for soulful, uplifting traditional gospel hit songs such as Tsoha Jonase and Ka letstasi. Most of the lyrics encouraged listeners to live out their faith and encouraged listeners to persevere through adversity. His management company remembered Moholo for giving the country ‘healing music’ over the years.
President Cyril Ramaphosa eulogised Solly as one of the greatest gospel artistes in South Africa. "Solly Moholo provided the melodies, rhythms and words of inspiration and comfort, such as we need now, that were the soundtrack of faith, worship and community for millions of South Africans and neighbours in our region for decades."
The African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Fikile Mbalula posted on X: “His powerful voice, passion for spreading the word of God, and dedication to uplifting the spirits of many through his music will forever be remembered.”
The 65-year-old veteran musician died after suffering from a stroke that led to multiple organ failure on October 2. He was admitted to a hospital in Botswana while on tour to promote his album to be released on 11 October.
