Scores of fans and family gathered at Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg, to remember the late musician and actor Senyaka.

Among the throng of mourners were fellow artists Chicco Twala, Vusi Shange, Amu, Trompies member Eugene Mthethwa, Tsekeleke, fellow Hunger Boyz member Kamazu and Mzwakhe Mbuli.

They all remembered Senyaka - real name Thula Kekana - with dance and laughter at his potent jokes as his song Get Down had mourners on their feet.

His record label boss, Benny Sebiloane of Bubele Music, said: "We worked on an album titled I am Back.

When he came to us, he said that he wanted to work on the musical side of his career. He said many people acknowledged him as an actor but he wanted to make a comeback as a singer."

He had mourners in stitches when he said that Senyaka wanted just three lines on the album sleeve - "bana ba tlohele ho phapha, ba ye sekolong [children must stop being too forward and go to school]".

Mthethwa said it was appropriate for artists to pray together.

"You heard Senyaka [in Get Down], he said he loved Jesus. There is something wrong with our sector. Since last year, there have been deaths of musicians and actors, even athletes. Could it be a case similar to Lucifer when he was dethroned because he started to praise himself?"

Mthethwa also said the death of the singer happened when they had just launched a pension fund for South African musicians and Senyaka was the latest recipient to receive money donated for his funeral as he died a "pauper".

He lauded Twala, his former boss, for giving artists guidance.

Mthethwa also slammed artists for not supporting each other when they needed each other, like when they were sick.

Music legends from the 1980s, led by Condry Ziqubu, sang the hit song Via Orlando.

Senyaka's funeral service will be held in Orlando, Soweto, tomorrow and he will be laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.

mashotol@sowetan.co.za

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