Music lovers and the music fraternity in Vhembe have been dealt a huge blow, following the tragic death of one of the region´s most entertaining gospel artists, Calvin Mudau. The artist, known for his unique style of dress, died on Tuesday, 13 September, at the Elim Hospital after being in a coma for three days. His velvet voice has joined the heavenly choir and his crazy dance styles will forever be missed.

The 29-year-old Mudau, of Maila village outside Louis Trichardt, was attacked after visiting his aunt at Mpheni on Sunday. The attacker is allegedly a local resident, but the exact details of what had happened were still sketchy at the time of going to press.

His death has left many questions unanswered and has shocked the district and those who loved his music. His long-time friend and colleague, Lucky M, who is known for hits like Jorodane (Vhanwe Vha a Wela) and Vho Luga, said he was with him when the incident happened. Lucky Mashudu, who is popularly known as Lucky M in music circles, said he had a traumatic experience following the attack of his friend.

“We were at the village where he was looking for another man. He entered a certain homestead with the intention of asking about the man while I remained in the car outside the home. When he came out, he complained that he had been attacked and hit with a pick axe handle,” said Mashudu.

According to Mashudu, his friend became weak and he took him to the local hospital, where he was admitted. "He fell into a coma, but died on Tuesday," said Mashudu. He said that he was told the sad news by nurses at the hospital when he went to visit him.

“I am very distressed. I have lost a colleague at work and a friend with whom I spent most of my time. We had so many things planned. We were going to record a DVD for our new CD this week. We also had many performances lined up together. I do not know what will become of me alone. I do not know how I will face life and cope without him,” said Mashudu.

Mashudu was unclear as to what had led to his friend´s being attacked. "If he had done something wrong, I think it would have been better for the man to have told me. Maybe we could have talked it over and reached an amicable solution,” he said.

A grieving Hilda Ramabulana, the deceased´s aunt, said the tragic death had left a wound in her heart that would take a long time to heal. She said she raised the deceased and his three sisters from childhood after the death of their mother many years ago. "He was the only son and we had high hopes that he would one day be successful and take care of us as parents. His musical career was just beginning to blossom; we will sorely miss him," she said.

Ramabulana said they had left everything in the hands of the police to do their work and ensure that the attacker was arrested and sent to jail. She said the family was struggling to bury him and would accept any form of help that could come.

His brother, Tshipa Edward Mudau, said he had visited the family where Calvin was killed and was told that Calvin had not provoked anybody. "I am worried that the police are not giving us any help. So far, we understand that the man who killed him is roaming the streets and police are doing nothing to arrest him. We are not at all happy about the conduct of the police. It seems as if they fear him and that is why they are not helping us," he said. He said he would be happy to see the culprit behind bars to answer for his actions.

Bishop Roxley Masevhe, Vhembe District Music Forum chairperson, said the death came at a time when there was disunity among artists. He said it was saddening to find that artists were dying poor and could not even be given a dignified funeral. Masevhe called on all artists to come together and assist the family in their time of need.

"We are still going to die, and with piracy being crippling our industry, we are still going to face a lot of problems. The sooner we come together and chart the way forward, the better," added Masevhe.

Waterval police spokesperson W/O Livhuwani Josias Mabatha confirmed the incident. He said a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm had been registered after the incident. "The deceased was certified dead three days after his admission at the local hospital, and we have now opened a murder case," he said. He said a suspect had been arrested and would appear in court soon.

A memorial service, where artists from all over Vhembe were expected to attend, was scheduled to take place at Ha Rathidili on Thursday. Mudau will be buried on Saturday (tomorrow) at 6:00 in Tshikhwani Ha Rathidili outside Louis Trichardt.