POLOKWANE  – Vincent Maphopha (23) was laid to rest on Sunday following a vehicle crash involving musician Kharishma from Solomondale.

A collision occurred on October 31 at the intersection of Grobler and Magazyn streets in the city involving Maphopha’s hatchback and a bakkie.

Kharishma, whose real name is Melita Ribane, sustained serious injuries and has been hospitalised since, while Maphopha lost his life.

He was buried at his home in Groblersdal, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries including the MEC of Sport, Arts and Culture, Funani Maseko, and members of the Limpopo Artists Movement, chaired by Mphoza Mashabela.

The late keyboard player was also a final-year B.Sc student at the University of Limpopo, known for his passion for both music and animal production.

During the funeral, mourners noted a lack of representation from Kharishma’s family and her team, Kharishma Entertainment.

Attempts to reach her team at the time of going to print, were unsuccessful.

Vincent’s obituary described him as ‘full of life’ and noted that he is survived by his mother, grandmother, two siblings and cousins, adding: ‘Though his time on earth was brief, his life was a reflection of purpose, love, and light.’

Mashabela reflected on his legacy: “His mother fondly remembers him as a talented keyboard player whose love of music led him to work closely with Kharishma. His untimely passing leaves a deep void in both his family and the music community. Vincent’s passing is not only a loss to his loved ones but also to the Limpopo creative scene, where he was cherished as part of a growing movement of young people using their talents to make a difference.”