SA World Cup Opera Singer Dies

PHOTO: OPERA SINGER, SIPHIWO NTSHEBE.

San Francisco, May 26, (THEWILL) – Epic Record label has announced the death of South African opera singer who was chosen by Nelson Mandela to perform at the World Cup opening ceremony in Johannesburg on June 11.

Siphiwo Ntshebe, 34, who studied at London's Royal College of Music, died of meningitis on tuesday in a Port Elizabeth hospital, according to Epic records.

Epic boss Nick Raphael in his tribute to the late star said Ntshebe's death was "a tragedy for all those who believe in the power of music and adding that "He had a truly wondrous voice and his music was unique in its melodies and its messages of hope and compassion." 

The label said Hope was "a soaring track", featuring "a special message of hope and compassion" written and spoken by Mr. Mandela.

The track, and an album were scheduled to be released on June 10, 2010 to coincide with the World Cup.