Who was Gloria Bosman? Renowned South African Jazz singer dead aged 50

Gloria Bosman was a South African jazz musician who had a career spanning over two decades. She began singing in church and theatres. Fortunately, she got a scholarship to study opera at the Tshwane University of Technology – then Pretoria Technikon – and advanced her skills.

Bosman died after a short illness.

“After a short illness, she transcended peacefully at her home, surrounded by family,” a statement by her family read.

“Gloria had devoted her life, not just to her family, but to her music, she was loved and adored by many here in South Africa and beyond its borders,” the statement continued.

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party paid tribute to the singer, stating;

“Gloria Bosman belongs to a generation of female musical greats who refused to submit to patriarchal stereotypes in a male-dominated industry. She was a fiery and militant revolutionary in the creative sector.”

South African jazz legend, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, also shared his sadness after the news of Bosman’s passing.

“Sad, gutted, and shattered,” he said.