City pays tribute to the great Gloria Bosman!

The City of Johannesburg mourns one of its own, Gloria Bosman, a great musician and artist who contributed to the creative fabric of Johannesburg and South Africa.

Born in Mofolo and raised in Pimville, Soweto, Bosman first started singing in church and performing in theatres, expanding her passion for music. She received a scholarship to study at Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology) through a production at the Market Theatre in 1993.

Bosman produced a sound that blended African soul sound with the sensuality of jazz, borrowing elements from her early training in classical opera. Her sound transcended genres and her voice can be recognised by South Africans of all ages and backgrounds, and is appreciated the world over.

She became a household name with hits like “Sombawo” and “Amaqwati” and has produced covers of local folk classics such as “Ntyilo Ntyilo”, as well as internationally renowned hits such as “The Look of Love”.

Bosman has won multiple music awards, including two South African Music Awards (SAMAs), the first of which was for her debut album “Tranquility” released in 1999.

She released five more solo albums and performed locally and internationally with some of the most celebrated musicians and composers, including Sibongile Khumalo, Vusi Mahlasela and Oliver Mutukudzi.

In 2011 and 2013, she performed with the late Bra Hugh Masekela in “Songs of Migration” at the Market Theatre and the Joburg Theatre.

“We are left poorer after the monumental loss of Gloria Bosman. She has contributed immensely to the global appreciation of South African music and played an important role in theatre.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans across the world,” said MMC Lubabalo Magwentsu

Bosman had recently joined the

Southern African Music Rights Organisation as a board member. As a known advocate for revolutionary change and equality in the music sector, her presence in the organisation was sure to make a lasting contribution.

Bosman passed away on 14 March 2023 after a short illness. She spent her final hours in her home, surrounded by loved ones. As fans across the world and locally share their messages of support to the family, the City wishes to extend its condolences to Bosman’s family and loved ones during this time.

The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Thapelo Amad, also paid tribute to the late songstress, Gloria Bosman who passed at the age of 50 years.

On behalf of all residents of Johannesburg I wish to express my condolences to the BOSMAN family, loved ones and friends.

“Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time,” concludes the Mayor.