Johannesburg – A 65-year-old amapiano rising star Olpha “Gee Six Five” Selepe has died.
Selepe , who shot to fame with her hit single Obani Labantu, died on Wednesday morning in a short statement on social media.
The shocking news was confirmed by her niece ,Sbu Mpungose , in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
“My beloved aunt, MumNcane who many of you know as Gee Six Five, is no more. She displayed leadership throughout her life, was the epitome of fearlessness and inspired many with her single Obani Labantu. Mthiya, Shandu kaNdaba, Sontshikazi. RIP Gee Six Five,” she said.
The musician ‘s cause of death was still a mystery at the time of publishing this article.
Gee Six Five became an internet sensation last month when her song was shared online and soon went viral.
Her legion of fans dubbed the song “a December hit” and helped it top the SA iTunes music charts.
A leader throughout her life, the 65-year-old retired teacher had an illustrious career as a primary school principal, later heading up Northdale TVET college in Pietcrmaritzburg. She also did a teaching stint abroad in the UK.
In 2018 she completed her master ‘s degree at the age of 63 and, at the time of her death, was pursuing a doctoral degree.
Her love for music began while training at a teachers’ college and she went on to be a highly decorated choir conductor performing in both regional and national competitions.
She was also an active member of the Regina Coeli Catholic Church in Madadeni, Newcastle where she lived.
According to a media statement from the family, the star passed away in Durban where she had been self isolating under the watch of family after receiving a positive diagnosis for COVI D-19 on Monday.
My beloved aunt, MumNcane who many of you know as #GeeSixFive is no more. She displayed leadership throughout her life, was the epitome of fearlessness & inspired many with her single #ObaniLababantu.
Mthiya, Shandu kaNdaba, Sontshikazi. #RIPGeeSixFive pic.twitter.com/NAOHlWlsIp— Sbu Mpungose (@SbuMpungose) December 9, 2020
We are saddened by the passing of Obani Labantu hitmaker Olpha Selepe, #geesixfive, who defied the odds and reminded us that music is ageless.
Thank you for putting smiles on our faces and reminding us that we can still achieve what we put our minds to. #RIPGeeSixFive pic.twitter.com/qaGRpHzmLF
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) December 9, 2020
RIP to GeeSixFive
She died at age of 65, cause of death is still unknown.
She was supposed to perform her new hit song Obani Labantu on the 24 December… #ObaniLababantu pic.twitter.com/U5RjbQvNsP— Thabelo_Iven (@Thabeloiven02) December 9, 2020
Ezibuhlungu azipheli, G65 is no more guys 😕😩 2020 it's okay now we get the point. #RIPGeeSixFive and we will continue asking them ukuthi Obani labantu this festive ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/g5QYhRNuG8
— Mr Mbuyisa (@MRrefereeZN) December 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/Kkkonker/status/1336542936390127617
Watch her song below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNjcAEpu7-E
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