(Thabisile Hlongwa in Durban Diva costume)
Founder of the popular Durban Divas, Pinkie Mtshali, recently informed artSMart of the recent death of
her friend and colleague, Thabisile Nelisiwe Hlongwa.
She kindly sent the
following obituary which is written by Thabisile’s daughter Nomfundo Hlongwa.
Thabisile Nelisiwe Hlongwa, was born on May 16, 1975, and
passed away on January 2, 2014. Her parents were Joseph and Joyce Hlongwa who
are late, She is survived by her three sisters , a daughter Nomfundo – who is
following in her footsteps as a young inspiring dancer studying at Jazzart in
Cape Town and her four year-old son Kwanele.
Her early education was at Ndabazezwe Primary School and at
Khethamahle High Primary School and completed her matriculation at Mzuvele High
School in KwaMashu. She then studied African music at UKZN as well as at Movie
Technical School where she obtained a Performing Art and Directing certificate
and was rewarded a certificate of merit with cum laude.
Her artistic journey as a gospel singer started in church
and in community gospel groups for different ensembles. She has worked with the
likes of Mbongeni Ngema, Pinkie Mtshali & the Durban Divas, Gcina Mhlophe,
Faca Kulu, Angel Dateh Zondo, Nonhlanhla Mnguni, Zaza Zulu, Mthunzi Namba, Moyo
Restaurant and Lacoste lounge, just to mention a few.
She was a singer, dancer, actress and was working as a
promotions manager at Expressive Promotions.
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