It has been seven years since South Africa bid farewell to the Prince of Gospel, Lundi Tyamara. His unmistakable voice continues to echo on Sunday morning radio shows, a testament to his enduring impact on the gospel music scene. Yet, behind the melodies lies a heartbreaking reality for his family and the mothers of his children, who allege they have been cut off from the financial fruits of his labor.
Lundi Tyamara succumbed to stomach tuberculosis and liver complications in January 2017 at Edenvale Hospital. Despite his passing, his music remains a fixture in the lives of his fans, keeping his legacy alive. However, for his loved ones, the joy of hearing his songs is marred by frustration and unanswered questions about his royalties.
“We haven’t seen any money from his music for years,” a family member revealed under anonymity. “His songs are still being played, but we don’t know where the royalties are going. We’ve tried to get answers but hit dead ends every time. It’s as if he worked for nothing.”
The absence of financial support has left his family feeling abandoned, with no clear path to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
Lundi’s two children, born to women identified as Lungile and Xoliswa, have also seen little benefit from their father’s musical success. Once hopeful for assistance from his industry connections, they’ve now resigned themselves to raising their children alone, navigating life without any contributions from Lundi’s royalties.
“They feel neglected by his old friends and business associates,” a close source shared. “At this point, they’ve given up the fight. For them, it’s more important to focus on their children than waste energy chasing something that seems out of reach.”
The struggle faced by Lundi’s loved ones raises troubling questions about the music industry’s treatment of artists and their families posthumously. Who is responsible for ensuring royalties reach the rightful beneficiaries? Why has the family been left in the dark for so long?
While Lundi’s music continues to inspire millions, the glaring gap between his public legacy and private reality underscores the need for transparency and fairness in managing artists’ estates.
As fans celebrate the life and work of this gospel icon, his family and children are still searching for justice—a battle that feels as distant as the singer himself.
