The South African music industry lost a major luminary with the death last month of gospel and rhythm-and-blues singer Wendy Mseleku (27). During her career she featured as a supporting actress in Sarafina: the Movie and backed the American group Mighty Spinners and solo artists Luther Vandross when they toured South African in 1997 and 1998.

A nominee in the 1998 FNB music awards for best African pop and best female, Mseleku was a recipient of the Johnny Walker Black Label award for her contribution to the music industry. She was a member of the Family Factory and Joyous Celebration groups and had just released a solo album, Picking up the Pieces.