Umanji
Encyclopedia
Umanji was a South Africa
n musician
and singer-songwriter
.
, South Africa. After spending eight years in the South African Police Force, he released his debut album, Moloi, in 1999, earning a nomination for best newcomer at the South African Music Awards
(SAMA).
Umanji’s subsequent albums were Wantolobela (2001) and Ndlala (2003). A song from the latter album won him Best Male Composer at SAMA 2005.
In 2006 Umanji fell ill with tuberculosis
. After initial denials, he admitted he was HIV
positive the following year. He accused his record label, Sony BMG, of dropping him when he fell ill, and said he had been sidelined as a live performer.
Umanji died of AIDS
-related causes in February 2008. Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto said at the time, “He was a talented musician with acclaim both here at home and abroad. There is no doubt that his style and sound will remain unique amongst his peers. Umanji will be dearly missed by our government and the people of our province.”
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
.
Biography
Umanji was born in the Zebediela region of LimpopoLimpopo
Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa. The capital is Polokwane, formerly named Pietersburg. The province was formed from the northern region of Transvaal Province in 1994, and initially named Northern Transvaal...
, South Africa. After spending eight years in the South African Police Force, he released his debut album, Moloi, in 1999, earning a nomination for best newcomer at the South African Music Awards
South African Music Awards
The South African Music Awards are an annual award ceremony, run by the Recording Industry of South Africa , where accolades are presented to members of South Africa's music industry. Winners receive a statuette is called a SAMA. The event was established in 1995...
(SAMA).
Umanji’s subsequent albums were Wantolobela (2001) and Ndlala (2003). A song from the latter album won him Best Male Composer at SAMA 2005.
In 2006 Umanji fell ill with tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
. After initial denials, he admitted he was HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
positive the following year. He accused his record label, Sony BMG, of dropping him when he fell ill, and said he had been sidelined as a live performer.
Umanji died of AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
-related causes in February 2008. Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto said at the time, “He was a talented musician with acclaim both here at home and abroad. There is no doubt that his style and sound will remain unique amongst his peers. Umanji will be dearly missed by our government and the people of our province.”