Did the industry fail the late Solly Moholo after donations were sought for his treatment?

The gospel singer died in hospital on Wednesday. A statement released by the family confirmed the news.

“Solly Moholo was hospitalised after falling following his pre-album launch tour in Botswana. He will be sorely missed. May his laughter continue to echo off the walls of heaven. Let us remember him fondly for the healing music he gave us over the years.”

In late August, TshisaLIVE broke the news that Solly was rushed to hospital while in Botswana for the launch of his album Wubani O zo Pepeza, then later reported that he needed R700,000 for brain surgery.

This week a top music executive told TshisaLIVE that the music fraternity failed Solly Moholo in his hospital bed.

“People love you when you’re in good condition and in high spirit, but when you start feeling ill and requesting for assistance, they turn a blind eye. Our industry is filled with hypocrites of note. All of them knew he was in hospital and needed donations, but it has been promises after promises. We’ll see them during the funeral, they’ll be crying the loudest. They have failed this guy,” he said.

Thobela Dlamini from Cultural & Creative Industries Federation of South Africa says he wouldn’t want to focus on negativity but honour the contribution Solly made in the music industry: “I know Ntate Solly Moholo from way back, and I treated him like my father. Let’s not taint his death in a bad light. People were donating, but the money wasn’t enough for him to be operated on, so we all have our day on this earth and never make a mistake on questioning God. Condolences to his family, it’s a great loss.”

Doc Shebeleza said he was saddened by the death of the gospel singer. “One thing I’ll miss about him is his jokes, he was always a fun person to have around. Solly has rested, and he was the one feeling the pain, so may his soul rest in peace and his family be strong.”