The chairperson of the Vhembe Music Forum, Dr Roxley Masevhe, described the late gospel artist, Lawrence Rhinelani Mabaso, as a highly experienced and professional artist. Mabaso (48) of Tshidimbini village outside Thohoyandou died after a short illness on 22 August.
"We have lost a legend and an iconic gospel singer," said Masevhe. He said that Mabaso's experience was still needed by a younger generation of artists. "He is irreplaceable, because of his manner of singing, which was unique," said Masevhe.
Masevhe was joined by artists such as Rapson Rambuwani and Hani Mutele who paid tribute to Mabaso during his funeral service on Saturday. The service was held at Tshidimbini village.
When reading his obituary, Mr Given Mabaso said Lawrence had grown up at Tshidimbini village and been raised in a Christian family. After finishing high school, he did a brief music course at the University of Venda (Univen).
"He was a musician for over three decades, having started singing at a tender age. He was a very talented and passionate singer. Some of the music projects he was involved in include being a member of the Belcanto chorale, a member of various music bands and later he became a gospel solo artist," said Mabaso. He worked with his elder sister, Tiyiselani Nenguda, on eight of his albums.
He was also a member of the worship team in the Salvation Army church. He worked with many local artists and producers, such as Rofhiwa Manyaga, Rofhiwa Darlene Tharage, the late Emmanuel Mamphogoro, the late Dalton Mbedzi, and Ananius Begwa etc. He released eight gospel albums as a solo artist between 2002 and 2020.
"He was also co-founder of the award-winning music production company MB Records. Under MB Records, he served primarily as a marketing director, a vocal coach and a backing vocalist for many artists," said Given Mabaso.
"Lawrence was a hustler of note as he earned his living from selling his own CDs and cassettes in the Thohoyandou Shopping centre area for nearly two decades," he added.
He leaves behind his wife, Mercy Muvhango Mabaso, and two children, Mikateko Mabaso (daughter) and Blessing Mabaso (son).