Lumko “Johnson” Leqela’s death shook Mzansi
The sudden passing of media celebrity Lumko “Johnson” Leqela has shocked Mzansi.
Leqela’s 32-year-old passing occurred on Wednesday, September 14, according to a statement from the family.
“We convey the news of our beloved Lumko “Johnson” Leqela’s premature departure with deep sorrow. He passed away on September 14, 2022, according to the family statement.
Leqela, who during a five-year period served as the producer of “The Night Cap with Lula Odiba,” has received honours from YFM.
Haseena Cassim, MD of YFM, issued the following statement that was made available to IOL Entertainment: “On behalf of all of us at Y, we express our heartfelt sympathies to Lumko’s family and friends, as well as the Y team and our listeners.
“Lumko aimed to positively influence the media business, and I think they succeeded in leaving the sector in a better state than when they arrived.
As Cassim continued, “They continued to make a difference in the media arena, at Y, and in the LGBTQIA+ community with their creativity, critical thinking, professional competence, and strong understanding of social concerns.
Keletso Bonolo Modiba, often known as Lula Odiba, a friend and coworker of Leqela, expressed her heartfelt homage to the celebrity.
“I began my trip on ‘The Nightcap’ with Lumko, and they taught me so much,” she said. Being able to work with Lumko was an honour. I just want to thank Lumko for making me wiser, bolder, and nicer. Your chuckle and our chit-chat sessions will be missed. I appreciate everything about you and I adore you.
“I appreciate your friendship, affection, and commitment to Y. Lumko “Johnson” Leqela, please take a nap.
“Tequila AF, Y’s first audio drama series, was conceptualised, written, and directed by Lumko, a vital member of the Y family. They owned this event from beginning to end,” the Y statement said.
Leqela was reared in East London, where they also took part in children’s theatre and musicals, according to their web biography.
They later attended Wits University to pursue a degree in drama and film. While there, they were involved in campus radio and eventually had their own weekday morning programme on Voice of Wits Radio.
Leqela loved the arts and created poetry, music, and paintings.
Additionally, they received training from ShakeXperience, a theatre-based firm connected to the Royal Shakespeare Company, to become a facilitator of William Shakespeare.
Information about the funeral is still pending.