Heartbroken fans gather to bid a final farewell to lekompo artist, Mmabatho Tercia Maebela, affectionately known as Queen Terc the Vocalist.
The rising star died following a horrific car crash. Her passing was confirmed by her management, TJ Agency on Wednesday, 29 April after efforts to save her life failed.
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Fans, fellow artists and community members packed the funeral service in Phalaborwa, Limpopo on Saturday, 9 May as they paid their last respects to the young vocalist whose music had already started making waves across Limpopo and beyond.
Queen Terc, born in 2004, had quickly become one of the most loved voices in lekompo music with popular songs including Mpotxe Nine Nine and Ake Raloke Mo Monneng Waka.
The emotional scenes at her funeral came just days after her memorial service on Thursday, 7 May, where fellow artists also gathered to honour her life and talent.
Her brother said the family is still battling to accept the painful loss.
“It’s a deep loss for us as a family. We don’t even know where to start. She was a bubbly person and had a bright future ahead of her. That’s why we feel this loss so deeply,” he said.
Popular lekompo producer, Clarence Mangena, widely known as Hitboss, described Queen Terc as hardworking and passionate about music.
“She loved what she was doing, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. He also encouraged her dancers not to give up despite her death.
“Just because you were working for Queen Terc, don’t think people will feel sorry for you because she’s no longer here. You must work hard and prove yourselves, then opportunities will come in this industry,” he said.
Another artist, Calvin Thaba, popularly known as CK, said he was devastated by the loss.
“I am actually broken. Prior to this tragedy, I received a text from her management asking me to book her for my show, so this is painful for us as we never got a chance to host her,” he said.
Lekompo producer Naqua SA also paid tribute on social media, saying: “Rest in peace Queen Terc the vocalist.”
Fans described the singer as dedicated, humble and focused on her dream.
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“She loved her work and always told us she was going to make it,” said one mourner. “She respected her work so much and was very dedicated,” another added.
Queen Terc’s death is the latest tragedy to hit the limpopo music scene following the deaths of Juddy Malekere, Fuego and Kenny Bevhula.
