Remembering African Prominent Figures Who Passed Away in 2023
14:38 24.12.2023 (Updated: 12:25 25.12.2023)
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The year 2023 has seen the African continent bid farewell to distinguished individuals who left an indelible mark in various fields. From the realms of entertainment, art and sports to politics, the prominent figures have significantly contributed to the rich tapestry of African culture and regional or global influence.
As we approach the end of 2023, Sputnik Africa compiles a list featuring ten noteworthy African figures who passed away during the year.
Mangosuthu Buthelezi
The traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation, South Africa's largest ethnic group, and the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party, died on September 9, just two weeks after his 95th birthday.
South African politician and traditional minister of South Africa's large Zulu ethnic group, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, in traditional dress March 26, 2009
© AP Photo
Buthelezi advocated for the freedom of Nelson Mandela, the leader of the African National Congress, who was imprisoned at the time. Upon Mandela's ascension to the presidency in 1994, the Zulu prince was bestowed with the position of Minister of Home Affairs, committing himself to this role for a span of ten years.
Buthelezi, who had eight children, is survived by two daughters and a son. He also left behind a Guinness record: he went down in history with the longest speech ever delivered, which lasted for around 33 hours over 11 days.
Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou
Ethiopian composer and nun Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou died in March at the age of 99 in Jerusalem, where she lived in seclusion in an Ethiopian monastery.
Known as the "the piano queen", she achieved international fame in 2006 when her music was featured on albums of Ethiopian music from previous decades.
Known as the "the piano queen", she achieved international fame in 2006 when her music was featured on albums of Ethiopian music from previous decades.
Ethiopian composer and nun Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou
© Photo The official website of Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou
Guebrou composed more than 150 works and recorded four albums during her career, the proceeds of which were used to educate orphans.
Mohamed al-Fayed
Egyptian-born billionaire Mohamed al-Fayed, best known for his son's relationship with Princess Diana, died in August at the age of 94.
Egyptian businessman and Ritz hotel owner Mohamed Al Fayed poses with his hotel staff in Paris, June 27, 2016. Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner whose son Dodi was killed in a car crash with Princess Diana, has died at age 94. His death was announced Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, by Fulham Football Club, which Al Fayed once owned.
© AP Photo / Kamil Zihnioglu
The businessman was worth an estimated $2 billion at the time of his death.
Essop Pahad
Essop Pahad, a former minister in the South African presidency, died peacefully in his sleep in July. He was 84.
He was a key figure in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. As a minister under President Thabo Mbeki, his political ally, Pahad was recognized as a key cabinet figure who influenced policymaking.
South African outgoing Minister in The Presidency, Dr Essop Pahad addresses a media briefing eleven key members of South Africa's cabinet resigned following President Thabo Mbeki's decision to step down in Pertoria on September 24, 2008
© AFP 2023 ALEXANDER JOE
Pahad's family, friends, and comrades received the condolences from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who noted that Pahad served the nation "with pride, principle, and pragmatism".
Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (MohBad)
Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, famously known as MohBad, passed away in mid-September at the age of 27 under circumstances that have never been fully explained
Local police have launched an investigation into his untimely death, which came amid the rapper's conflict with former manager Naira Marley. Many of Mohbad's fans blame Marley for the death of their idol.
Known for his distinctive baritone and hits such as "Ask About Me," "Pariwo," and "Peace," he is survived by his wife and young son.
Raphael Dwamena
Ghanaian football striker Raphael Dwamena died in November at the age of 28. He collapsed on the pitch while playing for Albanian club KF Egnatia in a league match against Partizan.
Dwamena has had a successful career playing for clubs in Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark, and this season he was the top scorer in the Albanian league with nine goals.
The player has been capped three times by his country during his professional career.
Magda Saleh
Famous Egyptian ballerina Magda Saleh passed away in August in the capital, Cairo.
She was one of the most prominent ballerinas in North Africa and the Middle East, and the first Egyptian ballerina to perform on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in the heart of the Russian capital, Moscow.
Egyptian ballerina Magda Saleh
© Photo Twitter / @Lucrezi41463060
Born to a Scottish mother and an Egyptian father, she became famous for her performance as Giselle at the Bolshoi Theater and later at the Egyptian Opera House.
Christian Atsu
Christian Atsu, a Ghanaian football player, was found dead in the rubble of his house after the earthquake that struck Turkey in February. He was 31.
Atsu spent four seasons at Chelsea before a transfer to Newcastle in 2017. In September, he signed for Turkish club Hatayspor, based in Hatay, near the epicenter of the earthquake.
© AFP 2023
The late football star has made over 60 appearances for Ghana national team. He was part of Ghana's squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and played a starring role at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring two goals to help Ghana reach the final.
Bulelwa Mkutukana (Zahara)
South African singer-songwriter Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely known by her stage name Zahara, died in December at the age of 36.
The multi-award winning musician is said to have died of liver complications after a week-long hospitalization in Johannesburg.
South African singer and songwriter, Zahara, performs at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on March 31, 2012, in Cape Town.
© AFP 2023 RODGER BOSCH
Known for her powerful voice and musical passion, Zahara sang in both her native Xhosa and English.
Henri Lopes
Henri Lopes, a writer and former prime minister of the Republic of the Congo, died in November at the age of 86 in the outskirts of Paris.
He served as Prime Minister of the Republic of the Congo from 1973 to 1975 and was appointed Ambassador to France in 1998, a post he held for 17 years.
Henri Lopes was also the author of numerous works, covering both the contemporary history of Africa and captivating novels.
