The late iconic Xitsonga musician, Eckson Maluleke (58), was laid to rest at Shigamani village on Saturday, 9 April. Maluleke passed away at his home on 30 March after a long illness.
The well-known people attending the funeral included the legendary Dr Thomas Chauke, Collins Chabane Mayor Moses Maluleke, Vhembe Contralesa chairperson Prince Gulukhulu Mathebula, Hosi Rhangani Mahonisi, and fellow Xitsonga musicians, such as Elias Baloyi, George Ntlemo and others.
Many paid homage to the artist during the funeral service. Among them was the local traditional leader, Hosi Bohani Shigamani, who expressed his sadness about Maluleke's demise. "He was a popular man who put the village on the map. His death has robbed us of a valuable asset in our community," he said.
One of Maluleke's sons, Dyondzani, described his father as someone who had always reached out to others. "There was hardly a day that some stranger did not come calling at our home to see my father. He was very popular, so much so that his phone never stopped ringing. He also loved his family, and at home he was always full of jokes. But he was also very strict. It was always his word and nothing else. When he decided on something, no one would change his mind," he said.
Maluleke, of Davulela Hembe fame, was born at Nsimbhi village, now called Hlengani at Xikundu, on 28 May 1964. He was not only a musician, but also served as pastor at the New Apostolic Faith Assembly in Zion in the Shigamani area. He was the fourth-born child of Daniel Salane Maluleke and his wife Mhlava. He started school at Sasekani Primary School in Xikukwani village in Giyani before proceeding to Shingwedzi High for his secondary education.
After finishing school in 1989, he worked at Xidzumbe Farms outside Moeketsi. He later went to work at the President Steyn Mine, where he met legendary fellow-musician MC Mabasa. During this time, Maluleke became one of Mabasa's backing singers.
In 2001, Maluleke recorded his first album with Risana Records. He went on to win several awards, including Munghana Lonene FM's Most Promising Artist of the Year award, the Thomas Chauke Artist of the Year award and the Best Xitsonga Male Artist of the Year award. He produced 20 successful albums with the main band and 15 albums with Swinombhelani. At the time of his passing, he had just released a new album, titled Vuyani Malume.
Maluleke is survived by his three wives and 12 children.