WeeklySA_AdminCREATIVE: The former Lion King cast member was an all-rounder who loved singing, dancing and acting…
By Gugu Sibiya
Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress and cultural activist Suthukazi Arosi (63)’s funeral on Saturday in the Eastern Cape, attracted mourners from across the creative, political, social spectrum across the country, as well as communities of Queenstown, Cala and Komani.
The passionate singer, who succumbed to cancer, was only sick for a short while. Her star began dazzling music lovers in the 80s, impressing with her depth and sincere approach to towards thought-provoking issues of the day.
Through her craft, she was always determined to push the Ubuntu agenda and the unification of our people.
From the get go it was obvious that the lively entertainer was destined for greatness. When girls were playing with dolls, she was already offering snazzy dance moves classes to her peers and school mates. Joyous Celebration’s Lindelani Mkhize is one of the lucky few beneficiaries.
Blessed with powerhouse pipes, Suthukazi went to school in Queenstown, though her family home was in Cala. She and her kid sister Bulelwa later moved to KwaZulu-Natal to stay with their mother. It wasn’t surprising when she packed her bags for Johannesburg as soon as she completed her higher education at Pholela.
Playwright Gibson Kente’s studio became her port of entry to stardom in the city of gold. After proving her mettle, she caught the eye of the hip Cheek to Cheek’s Phumi Maduna and Madoda Malotana who fathered her son, Lefa.
Taking to being a vocalist like a duck to water, opened doors to being the front lady for her Oshakati band. When globally acclaimed icons like Miriam Makeba, Caiphas Semenya came back home, she worked with them including Jonas Gwangwa’s Sing Africa Dance.
Reflecting on the life and times of her cousin, Stunki Vundla says she’ll remember the star’s passion for the arts. “Suthukazi was always into singing, dancing and acting as far back as our childhood days. We were in a youth club in Queenstown with the accomplished muso, the late Stompie Mavi. I wasn’t surprised when she landed at the late Gibson Kente’s theatre company.
“Soaring, she joined Cheek to Cheek. She later worked with Caiphus Semenya, the late Miriam Makeba and Jonas Gwangwa. She became the first South African to bag the coveted Kora All Africa Award, leading her to perform in France and Cote’d Voire” Vundle recalls proudly.
Her monster hit Ingane kaMalume which addressed issues of model C kids speaking English to the detriment of their mother tongue, solidified her status in the industry. It was penned by Chicco Twala. The brilliant Ubuntu album was produced by Herbie Tshoaedi while she worked with Bheki Khoza on The Journey.
She was also Rafiki in the USA-based Lion King cast. She recently had a cameo on the popular drama, Durban Gen. Suthukazi and her friend Andile Yenana are among the few people who can boast about having performed for the great Libyan leader, Pres Moumah Gaddafi.
Suthukazi was a natty dresser, a beautiful genuine soul who loved people. She was passionate about our people taking pride and fighting for the survival of indigenous languages. She was intentional about the message she disseminated to people
The Eastern Cape flower is survived by her mom, sister and son. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
