S. African best selling gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane dies

South Africa’s award winning gospel musician Sfiso Ncwane has died. Sfiso, 37, the composer of the popular tune "Kulungile Baba", died on Monday morning in Johannesburg after suffering kidney failure on Sunday night, according to the family spokesperson.

As news of his death spread, fans took to social media in solidarity with his family.

Although his death was sudden, Sfiso (pictured) had a history of ill health. As a young boy, he suffered from chest pains and this was the reason he had to take pain killers while performing.

During one of his interviews with South Africa’s Drum magazine, Sfiso said that he had survived a heart attack in 2015. “I first collapsed in January 2015 while on my way to an event in Mpumalanga. I collapsed for the second time while performing in Swaziland, and when I was finally taken to hospital, the doctors told me there was nothing they could do for me and that I was going to die.” So he called his Pastor, Francis Anosike. Eventually he survived, got better and showed his appreciation by buying the pastor a new car worth R1.9 million (Sh13 million). Sfiso said the pastor saved his life through prayer thus he felt he had to reward him. Despite all these problems, he produced award winning hits including "Phakama Nkosi yeZulu" and "Kulungile Baba". In 2015 he was named the bestselling digital artist in Africa, having over 28 million sales. He was also named best Traditional Gospel Artist during the South African Music Awards (SAMA). He was also a three-time winner of the Bestselling Ringback Tone and Bestselling Digital Download Composer’s Award.

Sfiso has five children. His funeral ceremony will be held today at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban after which he will be buried at Heroes Acre in Durban.