Neyi Zimu (real name Moses Gcinumuzi) was a South African musician and religious leader. He is most known for hits such as Jehova Re Tshepile Wena, “Lamb of God”, “Higher Higher”, “Come as you are”, “Hamba Name” and “Lord we worship You”.
Naye was a founder member of the popular Joyous Celebration choir, which he eventually left to pursue a solo career.
Naye worked with popular musicians that include Sibongile Khumalo, Benjamin Dube, the late Wendy Mseleku, Vuyo Mokoena, and Rebecca Malope.
Background
Neyi Zimu started singing at the age of 6 and his musical career started in High School when he was was discovered by a late friend.
He grew up in a small farm located in Sobokeng in the Vaal.
Music Career
In 1996, he started his career as the founder and member of the Family Factory and Joyous Celebration. With this association, he engaged in several collaborations and involvements with many renowned artists.
In 2001 he released the album ‘Excited’, which featured renowned musicians Concorde Nkabinde and Jazz Duo ‘ Tsunami’.
His second album was released in 2003 and it was titled ‘Ena Ke Nako’.
In 2007, Neyi released his third album called ‘Message’. In 2013 he released the album “I trust in You”. In 2017 he released the album ‘The Waiting is Over,’ which did well in South Africa.
Death
In December 2019, Zimu died after being ill with skin cancer. He was undergoing chemotherapy. He died on Wednesday 4 December at the Busamed hospital in Modderfontein, east of Johannesburg. He was laid to rest at the Kromvlei cemetery in Alberton.
Earlier in the year his brother, Silas Zimu, had told fans at a gospel concert that Naye had been scheduled to perform:
“Neyi has a very rare skin cancer, we thought it was something small until the diagnosis.
The good news is that he is in good hands, specialists and doctors are looking after him 24 hours [a day]. Hence, as a family, we said he needs to be grounded just to get rid of this disease so that he can come back healthier.
Personal Life
Neyi is survived by his wife, Nellie Sibisi-Zimu and three children.