The family of Gee Six Five has revealed that the singer and retired teacher died on Monday from coronavirus complications. She died while in isolation.
Gee Six Five Was 65 at the time of her death. She had somehow worked her age into her adopted stage name, and the public loved it.
The singer rose to national prominence following the release of her song “Obani Laba Bantu.” The song, which interrogates the vitality of not giving up but pursuing one’s dreams in spite of time and age, was an inspiration to many.
The report of her death has therefore been greeted with shock and disbelief in Mzansi.
The singer may have died, but she’ll forever live in the hearts of many thanks to the force and appeal of her first and only song.
In a statement, the family detailed her life and achievements. Apparently she had once been a school principal. She completed her masters degree in 2018 at the age 63. The degree was he prelude to the release of her viral song to inspire her generation and those who would listen.
MEDIA STATEMENT:
PASSING AWAY OF MRS NKOSINGIPHILE OLPHA SELEPE AKA GEESIXFIVE
(Wednesday 9 December) It is with sadness that the Selepe and Mbatha family announce the passing away of their beloved mother, sister, aunt and grandmother Mrs ON Selepe (nee Mbatha).
South Africans were introduced to her as the musician GeeSixFive who penned and performed the hit song Obani Lababantu. A leader throughout her life, the 65-year-old retired teacher had an illustrious career as a primary school principal, later heading up Northdale TVET college in Pietermaritzburg. She also did a teaching stint abroad in the UK.
In 2018 she completed her master’s degree at the age of 63 and, at the time of her death, was pursuing a doctoral degree. Her love for music began while training at a teachers’ college and she went on to be a highly decorated choir conductor performing in both regional and national competitions. She was also an active member of the Regina Coeli Catholic Church in Madadeni, Newcastle where she lived.
Prior to her hit song Obani Lababantu that trended on social media and music-buying platforms, she had produced a music album of children’s nursery rhymes in isiZulu.
Mrs Selepe passed away today in Durban where she had been self-isolating under the watch of family after receiving a positive diagnosis for COVID19 on Monday. A sharp dresser, a hard worker and a lover of life, she leaves behind three children, a number of grandchildren, her sister, nieces and nephews.
ENDS
For media queries contact:
Ms Sbu Mpungose
072-522-9675
Twitter: @sbumpungose
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