South African gospel music legend Rebecca Malope is recovering after a nasty fall on stage at the funeral of the late Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, founder of the Crown Gospel Awards and Ukhozi FM presenter.
The incident, which occurred during the funeral service held at the Durban ICC on Saturday, has sparked widespread concern for the singer's well-being.
Malope, known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances, was paying tribute to her late friend by performing the song "Ngiyekeleni" when the unfortunate incident happened.
Dressed in a stunning white and black dress and high heels, she was seen tripping and falling while on stage. Footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media, leaving many fans wondering if the fall was part of her performance.
Mam Rebecca Malope fell on stage🙊🙊🙊Askies mama😭😭 pic.twitter.com/vpYFZMx0QV
— Nhlanhla Hlabisa🇸🇿🇿🇦 (@bab_hlabisa) August 18, 2024
However, in an interview with TshisaLive, Malope clarified that the fall was not planned.
"I couldn’t wear sneakers to the funeral. I had to show respect at Zanele’s funeral. I wore high heels which caused me to trip on stage,” she explained.
“The heels made me unstable even standing up, and I was left with a bruised knee and twisted my ankle. Since Saturday I’ve been receiving text messages from friends and family checking up on me. I think I’m getting old and I’m no longer that energetic.”
Despite the fall, Malope expressed gratitude for having witnessed her friend receive the send-off she deserved.
"I’ll be looking forward to taking a rest and nursing my knee at home, using ointments to make it better. I thank God I suffered minor injuries," she said.
Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a prominent figure in the South African music industry, passed away after battling lung cancer. Her funeral was attended by numerous celebrities and industry leaders, who came to pay their respects and celebrate her life and legacy.
As Malope takes time to heal and rest, fans and colleagues alike are sending their best wishes for a speedy recovery. Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering support for her fellow artists have earned her immense respect and admiration within the South African music industry.
