Lundi Tyamara: South African gospel star dies aged 38

South African gospel star Lundi Tyamara, has died after 
a battle with stomach TB and a liver condition.

His family confirmed that he died on Friday morning 
in Edenvale hospital in Johannesburg.

The 38-year-old singer, loved for his energetic stage
performances, had hits with Mphefumlo Wami and
 Ndixolele.

President Jacob Zuma led the tributes to the star, 
saying Tyamara was "one of the best gospel artists
 that the country has ever produced".

A source said the award-winning star brought gospel 
to a younger generation through his unique style and drew thousands of people closer to the music genre.

His manager Tshepo Nzimande explained what made
 Mr Tyamara so popular: "He had energy on stage and
 he was very powerful."

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said there was
 "a deep sense of grief for losing such a young life.
 He is a success story that South African youth have
 a significant contribution to make in our society."

'Massive shock'

Popular evangelist pastor Paseka "Mboro" Motsoeneng
 who had visited the musician in hospital also described
 to local newspaper how shocked he was when he heard
 the news.

"It was a massive shock to me. I could not believe it at 
first but I was grateful that I could pray for him and bring
 him closer to the Lord."

The singer had been receiving treatment since being diagnosed in December.

A family statement, released on Friday, said that Lundi
 has passed away peacefully just after midnight.

Tyamara is the third young artist to die within the last
 six months, after the deaths of another gospel star 
Sifiso Ncwane and musician Mduduzi "Mandoza" 
Tshabalala, both also aged 38.