His friends cracked up laughing when they remembered how he loved to kiss both male and female friends. When all was said and done, late comedian Ebenhaezer 'Ebby' Dibakwane agreed that he was going to be a superstar.

FIGHTING DEPRESSION

Ebby, some called him Javas, passed away on 7 March after years of fighting depression. In a statement by his family, they suggested he committed suicide. "The past few days have been excruciating for us as we battle to deal with this loss,' the statement read. "Preliminary evidence suggests Ebby died by suicide, which we expect will be confirmed by the post-mortem examination,' they said. While his passing was devastating for them and many who loved him. "It is our prayer that this tragedy may remind all of us of the need to look out for each other while taking care of our mental health, including seeking professional help where necessary." 

SERIOUSLY FUNNY

His memorial service was held late yesterday in Milpark, Johannesburg. It was attended by the likes of David Kau, Loyiso Gola, Lihle Msimang, and many close industry friends. None of his peers sugarcoated or tried to hide his battle with mental health, and he committed suicide. "He tried. He was in pain,' a friend said. "He was going to be a superstar and rock the world. We fought with him, but he was our guy, our Ebby, and we will be fine.' The friend recalled that although he was a comic, most of the time they spent together, they had serious, long, and 'no-so-funny' conversations.'

HEALING

Mojak Lehoko said Ebby built a community of friends who appreciated him. "Everyone here is a reflection of how he built communities with his presence and how he touched people. Not just with his work but the person he was. He was empathetic, deeply talented, charismatic, and at night, he was chaotic,' he joked. "But overall, we were deeply touched by his presence.' Comedian and close friend Chris Forest said Ebby was part of his family. "I have lost a brother; we have all lost such a talented human who had a bright future.' In closing, his friends share a moment of silence followed by a round of applause for all he was able to achieve in the short time he lived. "