South African songbird passes on

Her shocking death comes just days after the singer opened for popular American artist John Legend in Johannesburg.

She had recently cancelled a scheduled performance at Skyroomlive in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Friday 5 December.

A popular figure in the competitive Afro-soul market, Lulu also drew on jazz and gospel influences in her music. Her albums include My Diary, My Thoughts (2008) and I Came To Love, released in October 2014, including the single and video ‘Falling Deeper’. She had been nominated for top local awards such as the SAMAs, Metro FM Awards and Crown Gospel Awards.

Her label, Sony Music, issued the following official statement: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected and tragic loss of soul songstress Lulu Dikana, who passed away last night after a short illness, while being treated in hospital. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and all her fans who came to know and love her through her music.”

Born in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth, Lulu is the older sister of Zonke Dikana, best known in recent times as the host of the South African edition of popular TV talent search The X Factor.

It’s not the first tragedy to strike the family in recent years. Lulu and Zonke’s older sister Busisiwe Dikana died in May 2013 at the age of 37. Their father, respected jazz drummer Vuyisile ‘Viva’ Dikana, passed away in 2009.

Lulu leaves behind a teenage son, Luhle.