JAZZ LEGEND GLORIA BOSMAN DIES

South African jazz singer Gloria Bosman has died. She was 50 years old.

The news was confirmed by the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) in a press statement. Bosman was recently appointed to SAMRO’s board as a non-executive board member. Her appointment was only announced in February.

The statement read: “SAMRO is saddened by the passing of its board member, Ms Gloria Bosman, who passed away on 14 March 2023.

“As a composer and a performing artist, in the short period that Ms Bosman was a member of the board, she added a perspective that comprised of a rich blend of insights on member aspirations as well as the direction that our organisation should continue to march towards.”

Bosman’s family released a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming her death.

“It is with profound sadness that we share that in the early hours of this morning, we lost the rock of our family. After a short illness, she transcended peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family.”

The Soweto-born Bosman is one of South Africa’s most celebrated singers. She has received 11 South African Music Award nominations and won two of them. She was also nominated for two Kora All Africa Music Awards during her career.

In a post on Instagram, fellow musician Sipho Hotstix Mabuse paid tributes to Bosman.

“So sad, gutted, rest in peace my dear friend #gloriabosman.”

Image credit: iHarare News