South African jazz singer Sibongile Khumalo taken away by a stroke

South African opera and jazz singer, Sibongile Khumalo, died on Thursday from a stroke following a lengthy illness her family said a statement.

A recipient of the country’s second-highest national order, Khumalo sang at Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration as the first-elected South-African Black President.

Sibongile Khumalo also performed internationally, including at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall.

Khumalo received the presidential Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2008, for her contribution to arts and culture.

The 63-year-old soprano trained singer boasted a wide vocal range, while her oeuvre included European classics, African folk, and choral music, as well as modern jazz.

The First Lady of Song as termed by Nelson Mandela was a world-renowned jazz and opera vocalist with a career spanning over 30 years.

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