Veteran playwright Welcome Msomi has died at the age of 76.
The Durban-born star’s death was confirmed on Saturday by his lawyer Benito Mangolele. Mangolele referred questions to the family.
Msomi suffered a stroke in November last year that left him paralyzed, according to Sowetan.
He is world-renowned for writing and directing theatre play Umabatha. The play is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and details how Mabatha overthrows Dingane. It was staged in 2016 by the University of Pretoria.
He also directed Buya Africa and created music for Tamburlaine the Great, a Royal Shakespeare Company production.
He received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Theatre from the Arts & Culture Trust in 2012.
Msomi served on several boards, including the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC) and as former chairman of the Living Legends Legacy.
Msomi was found guilty of theft and fraud in October 2019 of stealing R8m from the Living Legends Legacy Programme (LLLP) trust account. His sentencing was postponed because of his health.
News of his death sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry, and tributes poured in on social media for the star.
Rest In Peace, Welcome Msomi! ✨ pic.twitter.com/DjEJFdKT3e
— Siphiwe Mhlambi (@sphiwemhlambi) July 4, 2020
Our deepest condolences with the passing of Mr Welcome Msomi.
May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏼 🙏🏼 🙏🏼
Let keep his family in our prayers 🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/0y4GH5saPR
— Motshoane Mabena (@MotshoaneMabena) July 4, 2020
Legendary playwright… Welcome Msomi has passed away at age 76. #RIPWelcomeMsomi and another legend Mary Twala has also fallen. #RIPMaryTwala All this on #day100oflockdown 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/60G0dUWZ2n
— MoneyThulz (@ThuliMagubane) July 4, 2020
Rest in Peace Tata Welcome Msomi. pic.twitter.com/pk5GgMg6IH
— Dukuduku K Hlongwa (@XolaniHlongwa4) July 4, 2020
Oh no! I worked closely with Welcome Msomi on the Simon Sabela Awards! How sad that he has passed on, even though there was a bit of a cloud over his last days. #RIPWelcomeMsomi You were nothing but kind to me in all our interactions. :'( https://t.co/cwuQJVDBmZ
— janetvaneeden (@janetvaneeden) July 4, 2020
A theatre writer, A thespian has departed. MR WELCOME MSOMI #RIPWelcomeMsomi pic.twitter.com/8eqcEuhKtu
— WOW Casting (@WOWCasting) July 4, 2020
-TshisaLIVE
In other news – A public figure, come on – Mihlali Ndamase blasted for crying for food
Fresh off hitting the number one position on the Twitter trends list, Mihlali Ndamase is back at again, and tweeps are calling her out for being spoilt.
In consecutive posts shared on Friday, 3 July 2020, the beauty blogger tweeted, “I had such a busy day I’m only getting a chance to eat now” and, “Guys, I’m sooooo hungry I wana cry.” continue reading
