The family of late kwaito musician Thula “Senyaka” Kekana has denied reports that “they have been at each other’s throats since his death two weeks ago”. According to Drum magazine, Senyaka’s brothers, Tladi and Maisela Kekana, wrote a letter to the publication for creating untrue controversy about their family.
Drum quotes Tladi as saying of the report: “The said article was a flimsy and transparent attempt to besmirch my name – causing injury to my upright standing and reputation as a community leader – by publishing and profiting from a fabricated story.”
“Maisela is also reported to have boycotted the memorial service and that he was present at the funeral but did not speak to me. This is hogwash because my brother was busy with funeral arrangement,” he added of claims that there’s bad blood between him and his brother.
“At the funeral, Maisela was standing next to me while advising me to observe certain family protocol and recognize certain people in my closing remarks and vote of thanks,”
Senyaka passed away at Kopano Hospital in Vereeniging on 25 March, and being in a coma for a week. He was reportedly diagnosed with pneumonia and his condition deteriorated over the next 48 hours.
Senyaka was a hip hop artist, television producer and actor who rose to fame in the 1980s with the release of his single ‘Go Away’, leading to a career in music and film.