The Cultural and Creative Industry of South Africa held a memorial service for fellow artists Kgosi “aka” King Obakeng Meruti and Moshe Gabriel Gaotlhaolwe Moeng at Mayibuye Centre. The duo who worked together on various projects died days apart due to ill health. Their personalities and careers complemented each other. Kgosi, was the visual artist, talkative, gentle giant. He was a decisive strategist who inspired others and leaves a rich legacy. He grew up in the Catholic Church.
Gabriel was an events coordinator, sound and light engineer. The calm, reserved and spiritual individual enjoyed uplifting songs such as “Kealeboga Jeso”. He was a member of Roadmap Ministry in Bloemfontein at the time of his passing.
The memorial service displayed what the gentlemen lived for, with artists celebrating the deceased through poetry and music from Rastafarian, Afro-Pop, Hip-Hop and Gospel. Itumeleng Chakane, told mourners that his cousin, Kgosi was wise and sensitive towards others. He mentioned that Kgosi was always available to assist and family was important to him. “Kgosi would often arrive unannounced just to check how you are doing,” commented Itumeleng.
Sister Lala, a childhood friend, and spiritual sister, narrated how Gabriel would go from singing to dancing although he could not dance.
Poet, Mogale Sedibe indicated that he worked on more than 50 projects with Gabriel, but he does not remember the deceased uttering a word, “that’s how quiet he was.” He praised Gabriel for his excellent work ethics.
CCIFSA Provincial Coordinator, Thaboentle Motlhabi, applauded Gabriel for hussling his way up in Kimberley, despite being segregated because of their dialect. He encouraged artists to take themselves seriously and to resolve their internal disputes.
Gabriel Gaotlhaolwe Moeng was born on 27 March 1984 in Pampierstad. He started schooling at Gaoshupi Makoti Primary, then Reitlamile Middle and matriculated at Kgomotso High School. He actively participated in entertainment projects at school.
He improved his artistic skills at The Performers Art School in Mafikeng, where he learned to play drums before coming to Kimberley in 2005.
Gabriel is survived by his wife, mother, younger sister and son Tlotlo.
Kgosi Obakeng Meruti was born on 13 March 1980, in Kimberley. He matriculated from Kimberley Boys High and studied Marketing and Communications at Northern Cape Technical College. He studied towards an IT qualification at Damelin College.
Before starting his own business, he worked as a Teller at Nedbank and as an Intern at the Dept of Environmental Affairs.
He managed to fuse his talent and skills to start an IT and Media company.
Kgosi is survived by his mother, three sisters, a brother and two daughters, Neo and Tlhalefo.
The two were buried on Saturday 14 November, Kgosi in Kimberely and Gabriel in Pampierstad.
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