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Solly Moholo

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Solly Moholo
Birth nameSolomon Majafela Molokoane
Born(1959-04-15)April 15, 1959
Soshanguve, Pretoria, South Africa
DiedOctober 2, 2024(2024-10-02) (aged 65)
Gauteng, South Africa
GenresGospel
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentVocals
Years active2000–2024
Labels
Websitesoundcloud.com/solly-moholo
Musical artist

Solomon Majafela Molokoane (April 15, 1959 – October 2, 2024), best known as Solly Moholo, was a South African gospel singer, and was both a member of the ANC and the highly popular Zion Christian Church as a Christian singer. He was known for his unique blend of traditional gospel sounds and modern township influences. He rose to fame in the early 2000s following the release of his album Ba Mmitsa Tsotsi in 2001.

Early life & Career

Moholo was born and raised in the township of Soshanguve in Pretoria, Gauteng. He grew up in a religious and christian family and he deeply associated his musical career with attire similar to the one of ZCC and dance known as "Mokhuku". His musical career started in the early 2000.

Notable Incidents

According to reports, In 2009, 4 gunman held Moholo and his 2 friends hostage at night in his home studio at Soshanguve, Pretoria demanding money, one of the gunman is said to have told the other three robbers to spare him life as he love his music.

Legacy

Solly Moholo was considered a pivotal figure in South African gospel music. His music was acclaimed and resonated with millions across the nations of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Lesotho. He was descriped to have used his music to fight crime by the premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi amongst others.

Solly Moholo served as a mentor to Winnie Mashaba. Winnie Mashaba descriped him as an industry mentor who gave opportunities to other gospel singers.

Death

On September 6, 2024, Solly Moholo's team released a statement saying he had fallen while on tour in Botswana and asked for donations. Solly Moholo passed away on October 2, 2024, while in hospital, aged 65. It was reported that he suffered from multiple organ failure and a stroke, which is reported as the cause of his death. He was hospitalized following the pre-release of his latest album, Wubani O zo Pepeza. His death has been reported and spread all over South African social media and popular news including the SABC and eNCA. Moholo also received condolences from president Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, Sony Music South Africa and Spotify Africa amongst other public figures. His funeral was held at Akasia Hall in Pretoria, Gauteng, and was laid to rest at Zandfontein Cemetery. His funeral was attended by Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi and Mzwakhe Mbuli who were the speakers JJ Tabane, amongst others. His funeral was broadcast live on the SABC.

Discography

Studio albums

  • Jesu Ba Mmitsa Tsotsi published by EMI Music Distribution
  • Wubani O Zo Pepeza published by Sound African Recordings
  • Oa Ntaela Moya published by Sony Music
  • Sedi Laka Mpontshe Tsela by Sony Music
  • Motlhang Ke Kolobetswa 'Die Poppe Sal Dans' by Sony Music
  • Tsoha Jonase Nice Time Ya Bolaya by Sony Music
  • Difofu Dikgopela Merapelo published by Sony Music
  • Ba Mo Kobile Kerekeng published by EMI Music Distribution

Awards and Nominations

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2001 Best African Gospel Album Nominated
2009 Best African Traditional Gospel South African Music Awards Nominated

References

  1. Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo (12 October 2024). "Mourners: We failed Solly Moholo". Daily Sun. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  2. ^ AfricaNews (2024-10-03). "SA Popular Gospel Artist Solly Moholo Passes Away at 65". Africanews. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  3. Dlamini penwelld, Penwell (30 November 2009). "Solly's fame saves his life". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  4. Sithole, Horisani (12 October 2024). "Moholo used his music to fight crime: Lesufi". SABC News. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  5. Moganedi, Kgomotso (October 6, 2024). "Gospel singer Winnie Mashaba suffers social media backlash over 'aircraft showboating'". TimeLIVE. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  6. Monique, Lewis (11 October 2024). "Family to release Solly Moholo's final album on eve of his funeral". SABC News. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  7. Mathobela, Phuti (September 8, 2024). "Solly Moholo's family needs R700k for his surgery". Daily Sun. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  8. ^ "South African gospel legend Solly Moholo dies aged 65 - Daily News". 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  9. Mphande, Joy (October 8, 2024). "Solly Moholo's family plans to honour the gospel star's final wish". TimesLIVE. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  10. Muia, Wycliffe (October 3, 2024). "South African gospel legend Solly Moholo dies aged 65". BBC News Online. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  11. Motau, Koketso. "Tributes pour in for gospel singer Solly Moholo". SABC News. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  12. "Gospel icon Solly Moholo to be buried in Zandfontein". eNCA. 12 October 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  13. Nhlapo, Veli (12 October 2024). "Inside Solly Moholo's funeral service". Sowetanlive. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  14. "LIVE: Gospel singer Solly Moholo funeral service". SABC News. 12 October 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  15. "Full list of nominations". News24. February 21, 2001. Retrieved October 3, 2024. Category O3 – Best African Gospel Album
  16. Mzansi, Magic (May 2, 2009). "The South African Music Awards". SAMA. No. The South African Music Awards. TV SA. SABC1. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
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