ANOTHER GIANT:
Sipho Kaleni, a South African radio and television personality best known as a DJ for the Christian radio station Radio Pulpit and for hosting the music show Gospel Gold has passed away. The news of his passing have been shared by several celebrities, including Thami Ngubeni. Genesis Magazine has also shared the sad news. “It is a sad loss for the South African Gospel Industry as we learn of the passing of Musician and Radio Presenter Sipho Kaleni. We send our condolences to his loved ones, may his soul rest in Peace”, the Magazine said.
Sipho Kaleni (38) was not only a gospel artist but he was a born again Christian, a father to three children and a husband to Nomelikhaya Kaleni. Sipho was born into the Kaleni family in Springs, grew up in KwaThema and went to Umsobomvu Primary School and Nkumbulo Comprehensive School in KwaThema.
Fellow acquaintances in the gospel music industry are currently sending in some condolences:
@SpiritofPraise Today is a sad day as our close friend Sipho Kaleni has passed. We are praying for his family to have strength in this difficult time. Sipho will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace.
@LifeWithThami ‘Take your purpose for living (calling) serious. Take your borrowed time serious. Take your SOURCE serious. Take your process to success serious. Take yourself serious.’ – Sipho Kaleni. I cannot believe that you have crossed-over. You were dynamic, gifted, a visionary, Umuntu.
Thami Ngubeni further described Kaleni as a lover of God, a family man, friend, a leader, composer, musician, broadcaster, and all-round super nice guy! “May you rest in God’s eternal peace…it’s hard to understand…may your family and loved ones find rest in knowing that you truly ran your race with intergrity and dedication”, Thami added.
A graduate from Mbira school of music and arts (in Springs), Sipho has been heavily involved in the gospel music industry as recording and theatrical artist and a producer since 1998. A lyricist, music composer, arranger, talent scout and developer. He participated in some national gospel talent search programs as an artist and an adjudicator and also featuring in South African popular gospel groups as a vocalist. At Radio Pulpit part of his duties included screening new music for airplay (which includes all music styles in eleven official S.A. languages) and reviewing new gospel releases.
A few months ago, Kaleni wrote this on his Facebook page: “Appreciate me, appreciate my presence, appreciate my influence and what l do well while l am still alive. Please laugh at my lame jokes, appreciate my amazing gift and impact, and say your amen to my praise while l am still alive, because at death l won’t be able to see your social media posts about my impact. Don’t love me only at death. Selah #IamInfluence”.