By Rorisang Modiba
The management of late gospel icon Solly Moholo has rejected claims that he stole songs from young artists.
These accusations were made by fellow gospel singer Sinky Mathe during a podcast, where Mathe claimed he provided the vocals for Moholo’s debut album Ba Mmitsa Tsotsi.
In an interview with The Citizen, Mathe said that Moholo approached him in 1999 after hearing him sing on another project. At the time, Mathe was only 19.
“He had already produced the beats and gave me a cassette to practise with. After a month or two, we went to the studio and recorded the album. The whole album was sung by me,” said Mathe.
Mathe explained that after recording the final song, the producer suggested making him the lead artist, but Moholo refused.
“The producer suggested to Solly Moholo, ‘Let Sinky be the artist, and you remain as the producer,’ but Solly said, ‘No, let me talk to Sinky first,’ and that was the last time I heard from him,” he said.
Mathe said he was shocked to later hear his voice on the radio but without credit.
He claimed that this was not a one-time event, accusing Moholo of using other singers’ voices on later albums.
“After me, a guy called Solly Matseba sings on the second album. After him, it was Strike Moshe, and after them, I do not know who he approached,” Mathe added.
Mathe said he wanted to challenge Moholo but found it difficult due to Moholo’s rising fame and influence. His parents advised him to drop the fight.
“He was growing bigger, with strong connections. As a young man from Mabopane, how could I afford to fight in court? My parents told me to leave it in God’s hands.”
Solly Moholo passed away at the age of 65 on 2 October in a Botswana hospital, where he had been admitted after falling ill following a performance at the pre-launch of his album Wubani O zo Pepeza.
Despite showing signs of recovery, he passed away, with the news being confirmed by his family.
Pictured above: Solly Moholo and Sinky Mathe.
Source: X
