RIP Sipho Kaleni: Gospel star’s cause of death revealed

Gospel musician, radio presenter pastor and one of the founding members of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Sipho Kaleni, passed away on Monday 1 August. According to a statement published by the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Kaleni had been unwell since May this year. As per Celebs Now, Crown Gospel Music Awards founder, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, said Kaleni had a boil under his armpit which led to his sickness. 

Sipho Kaleni played a major role in the development of the gospel genre in South Africa and has worked with the likes of Lebo Sekgobela, Benjamin Dube, Spirit of Praise and more. He is best known for his songs, Standing Tall On My Knees, Lord You Are Faithful and Amandla Ngwakho. 

ALSO READ: RIP: Tributes pour in for SA gospel powerhouse Sipho Kaleni

CROWN GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS MOURN GOSPEL GREAT

In a statement posted on Facebook on 1 August, the Crown Gospel Music Awards announced the death of Sipho Kaleni. The gospel giant was 46 years old. 

“Kaleni was indeed the engine of the Crowns who, unbeknown to many, Kaleni was not only our spokesperson, he played a huge role in the planning and production of the show,” read a part of the statement. 

“He was also the voice that you heard announcing presenters of the awards before they stepped onto the stage as well as the names of the nominees before the announcement of the winners.”

Kaleni is survived by his wife, Nomelikhaya Kaleni. 

SIPHO KALENI’S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED 

Speaking to Celebs Now, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule said Sipho Kaleni had been sick after a boil grew under his armpit. 

“It started as a small boil but they say if you don’t treat it properly, the poison gets into your bloodstream, that’s what happened to him.”

“It hit his organs and they tried to flush it with special antibiotics, but it was a complicated issue. He died in hospital,” explained Mbokazi-Nkambule. 

KALENI FAMILY RAISES MONEY FOR MEDICAL BILLS

Isabella Nxumalo, a close friend of Sipho Kaleni’s, has reached out to the public to donate funds for the late musician’s outstanding medical bills. According to the Back a Buddy page started by Nxumalo, the Kaleni family owes more than R2.5 million in hospital bills.

“Sipho’s hospital bills were covered by one kind benefactor who is now unable to continue to pay his steep medical costs.”

“We are heartbroken by his departure, however, I believe that there is more we can do during this time for their bereavement.”

A memorial service for the gospel powerhouse will take place on Friday 5 August in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni. Kaleni’s funeral will take place in Springs on Sunday 6 August.