General Chat

I watched the Piers Morgan programme last evening showing him spending time with this young man, who had a wonderful voice and who was so looking forward to singing at the stadium.
I wept when Piers said at the end that he had been told Siphi had died from meningitis. What a cruel twist of fate for him and for his family, but how proud they must be that he was chosen for the song with a piece from Nelson Mandela, and how lovely that they have a recording of it to keep forever.

Rest in Peace, Siphi, taken too soon.

Lizx



World Cup opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe dies
Page last updated at 13:06 GMT, Wednesday, 26 May 2010 14:06 UK
Siphiwo Ntshebe had been due to release a single and album A South African opera singer chosen by Nelson Mandela to perform at the World Cup opening ceremony has died from meningitis, his record label has said.

Siphiwo Ntshebe, 34, was admitted to hospital in Port Elizabeth last week and died on Tuesday, Epic Records said.

He was due to perform his new track Hope at the opening ceremony in Johannesburg on June 11.

Epic boss Nick Raphael said Ntshebe's death was "a tragedy for all those who believe in the power of music".

"He had a truly wondrous voice and his music was unique in its melodies and its messages of hope and compassion," he added.

Epic said Hope was "a soaring track", featuring "a special message of hope and compassion" written and spoken by Mr Mandela.

The track, and an album of the same name, were due to be released to coincide with the World Cup.


Epic said no final decision had been taken on whether the releases would go ahead but that Ntshebe's family wanted his music "to be heard by as wide an audience as possible".

Opening ceremony producer Lebo M said Ntshebe was "a true South Africa World Cup legacy, gone too soon".

"May his spirit lead us to 11 June 2010. May his soul rest in peace and may Siphiwo's spirit of hope centre us all," he added.

The BBC's Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg says Ntshebe was relatively unknown in South Africa - his appearance at the World Cup opening ceremony would have introduced him to a much wider audience in his home country.

Ntshebe, who studied at London's Royal College of Music between 2004 and 2007, had performed throughout Europe.

Mr Mandela had previously praised the tenor as "a young South African with so much talent that has, despite challenges of the past, chosen to work hard at a better future".

n

A friend of mine has just sent me the Youtube addy to listen to his singing...

Marvellous voice.

I thought his voice was amazing, when he was shown recording earlier in the show. When Piers later announced his death I was so upset for him and all his family as he hadn't had his big moment altho Piers had taken him there earlier and said this is where you will be, show us how you will sing here, and Siphi sang a bit of the song.

Can you put the Youtube link on here please Sue?

Lizx

How very sad,

I hope we are all able to hear a recording
RIP Siphilwo Ntshebe and prayers to your family

Bridget

Liz.

Here it is hopefully it will work...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9EhD1PAOY

n for liz...

Beautiful voice and a haunting melody.So sad for his family

Mau x

Thanks Sue.

His voice is similar to Andrea Bocelli, one of my all time favourites.

Lizx