SA jazz and gospel singer Gloria Bosman dies

Veteran South African musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse confirmed the news to Music In Africa after sharing a post on social media.

“So sad, gutted, rest in peace my dear friend Gloria Bosman. Thank you for sharing the stage and sharing your gift with us all. I am shattered,” Mabuse wrote.

Although the cause of Bosman’s death is still unknown, family spokesperson Masindi Chinoamadi confirmed her passing to Music In Africa, saying that she would provide more information after meeting with the family. It is believed that she passed away at her Johannesburg home. Bosman’s last live performance took place at East London’s Guild Theatre on 11 March.

Bosman’s death follows her recent appointment to the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) board and the the release of her latest project Gloria Bosman Live on 28 February.

Bosman participated in Music In Africa Foundation’s 2020 Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) workshop, where her presence was met with deep reverence. 

Artists and music industry players took to social media to convey their condolences following news of her passing.

“SAMPRA grieves the passing of yet another South African artist and long-standing member of SAMPRA, Gloria Bosman,” the South African Music Performance Rights Association wrote on social media.

SAMRO wrote: “SAMRO mourns the passing of legendary jazz composer, singer and SAMRO’s non-executive board member Gloria Bosman. Ms Bosman was appointed to the board of SAMRO at its last Annual General Meeting (AGM) in December 2022.”

SAMRO board chairperson Nicholas Maweni said in a statement: “As a composer and a performing artist, in the short period that Ms Bosman was a member of the board, she added a perspective that comprised of a rich blend of insights on member aspirations as well as the direction that our organisation should continue to march towards.”

He added: “Ms Bosman was an energetic and passionate board member who fully supported the organisation’s strategic direction, including diversifying income streams for SAMRO and vigorously protecting members’ interests by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. While highly empathetic, she was firm and direct when she engaged with her colleagues.”

Speaking to Music In Africa, IKS Cultural Consulting managing director Andre Le Roux said he was shocked and devastated by Bosman’s passing.

“She was the kind of person that raised her hand and did service and helped others. That’s why she was one of the first to serve on the Concerts SA advisory panel and the SAMRO scholarships and bursary adjudication panels. She knew how to take people under the wing. She knew that it was important to reinvest in the sector. She loved her family and those worked with her in the music business who were like her family.”

Bosman was also a producer, composer and presenter. She won multiple South African Music Awards and was nominated for KORA and Naledi awards. She performed in several countries including the UK, France, Finland, Australia, Nigeria, Namibia and Zimbabwe. She also toured South America. Some of her notable albums include Tranquillity, The Many Faces of Gloria Bosman, Stop and Think, Nature Dances and Emzini.