Phalaborwa mourns rising Lekompo star Queen Terc

PHALABORWA – The community of Phalaborwa bid an emotional farewell to rising Lekompo artist Mmabatho Tercia Maebela during her funeral service held at the House of Worship International church on Saturday, May 9.

The 22-year-old musician, popularly known as Queen Terc The Vocalist, was remembered as a joyful and loving person who touched many lives through her music and personality.

Mourners gather to honour young musician

Family members, friends, Lekompo artists, representatives from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, delegates from the office of the Ba-Phalaborwa Mayor and community members gathered to pay their final respects.

Queen Terc was laid to rest at the Namakgale cemetery.

Rising star died in head-on collision

The “Mpotxe Nine Nine” hitmaker was killed in a horrific head-on collision between Gravelotte and Letsitele on Wednesday, April 29.

She was travelling in a Polo Vivo after returning from an interview on Energy FM in Polokwane, when the incident occurred involving a courier vehicle.

She was rushed to Letaba Hospital by ER24, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the courier vehicle survived the crash and was transported to a private hospital.

Family and manager pay tribute

During the funeral service, her uncle, Thoka Kgwale, described the late singer as a young woman who inspired and impacted many young people in the community. “It is painful that we have lost our daughter. Queen Terc has played her part. Let us be comforted and trust in the Lord,” he said.

Her manager, Tebogo Malamela, shared heartfelt memories of the late musician, saying she had dreams of taking her music career to greater heights.

“She always treated every situation with a smile. Queen Terc knew how to handle herself and how to behave in front of people, because she understood that she is a brand, a brand with a bright future. She really loved her fans,” he said.

Malamela added that announcing her passing was one of the most difficult moments he had ever experienced.

Friends of the singer became emotional as they reflected on their memories with Queen Terc.

Tumelo Nobela spoke about the love, kindness and support he received from the artist during their friendship.

Musical journey and legacy

Queen Terc’s musical journey began in church, where she discovered her passion for singing. She later pursued music professionally in 2018 by releasing songs and officially joined the Lekompo, also known as bolo music genre, in 2023.

Before her untimely death, the young star had released a new song titled “Ke Nale Wena” featuring Primo ZA on Monday, April 4. Some of her popular songs include “Mpotxe Nine Nine” featuring Caltonic Phb and Jmizz Rsa, as well as “Malundeni (Cover)” and “Sechomi”.

She is survived by her parents, Kholofelo Maebela and Enter Mogakala, her siblings Phumza and Wonder Maebela, and her grandmother Veronica Maebela.

Industry calls for prayer session amid rising concern

Meanwhile, the provincial chairperson of Lekompo artists, Mphoza Mashabela, announced that a prayer session will be held on Thursday, June 11, following the growing number of crashes involving artists.

“We don’t know what is happening and we keep on asking ourselves who is next,” he said.