dutchman
Well-Known Member
South African tenor Siphiwo Ntshebe has died after suffering from acute bacterial meningitis.
The 35-year-old singer contracted the disease a week ago and was taken shortly after to a hospital in Port Elizabeth, reports The Daily Telegraph.
He had been selected to sing 'Hope', the official anthem of the World Cup, at the event's opening ceremony next month. He also recently finished recording an album for Epic Records, which was to be released after the June performance.
Managing director for the label Nick Raphael said: "Siphiwo's loss is a tragedy for his family, his friends and 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."
Ntshebe previously studied at the Royal College of Music in London.