News gathered by Znewsgh.com has that former South African’s Got Talent winner, James Bhemgee has passed away.
A source close to his family revealed that Bhemgee died at the hospital after battling with some short illness.
The talented singer rose to fame after he won the 2010 edition of SA’s Got Talent reality show with his velvety voice.
Some industry colleagues and friends are pouring tributes in on social media to celebrate the former street sweeper and unemployed tenor.
“Rest sweetly brother … your voice will forever ring in my heart. Your race is done. You made many hearts smile with your talent and charm.” – Alistair Izobell/Facebook.
“R. I. P James Bhemgee What shocking news. Was great to had the opportunity to share the stage with you a beautiful soul left the stage. My condolences to the family and friends.” – Zahier Zaza Abrahams/Facebook.
Another Facebook user wrote: “Oh no!!! I knew him as a little girl … he used to pick up our dirt in Salt River then got to work with him at Artscape … he truly lived his purpose in this life. Condolences to all his loved ones. May his beautiful soul rest in peace … I can almost hear him singing with the angels.”
According to hdsentertainment.co.za, he was first discovered on the streets of Cape Town by a woman who overheard him singing while he was working as a street sweeper.
She was so impressed that she paid for Bhemgee to have singing lessons.
James Bhemgee shared the same platform with international Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins as they performed together.
Following his “SA’s Got Talent” triumph, the singer said: “For 13 years I’ve been unemployed. Those 13 years were the hardest part of my life. I didn’t have opportunities to sing but I never gave up on my dream. I survived. I went through very tough times but I was and I am a believer.”
In November 2011, James Bhemgee released his debut album titled “Vincero.”