Babes Wodumo is once again mourning the loss of someone close to her. The Wololo hitmaker took to her social media pages to pay tribute to the late Eyadini Lounge owner Jabulani Thamsanqa "Jigga Money" Zama. Jabulani's family confirmed the businessman's passing in a statement on Sunday morning and saying he was, "an amazing soul, full of love, joy." The family has asked for privacy as they mourn him after he succumbed to a stroke. The family announced that Eyadini will be temporarily closed until further notice.
BABES PAYS TRIBUTE
Colleagues and friends have shared the pain of losing someone close to them. Gqom singer Babes Wodumo penned her grief on social media saying, "RIP Baba wami. Eyadini Lounge iPhone lapho ku Mnyeni wami (send my greetings to my husband)." She also tells ZiMoja that her career highlights were performing at his establishment, Eyadini. "My career began at places like Eyadini because of ubaba. He supported Durban and KZN artists and took care of us as though we were his family." Babes says she has lost people close to her and she is learning to cope. "Losing people close to you is not easy, and I am still coming to terms with all these deaths."
Other friends remember the businessman as kind and giving. DJ Happygal Ndlovu writes on social media, "RIP Mphathi. ubuthanda ukuba hands-on kwi business lakho (You loved being hands-on in your business)." Close friends and photographer, Sandile Makhoba says, "Thank you Jigga Money" for ithuba nemfundiso (opportunities and lessons)." Sandile goes to say that he and Jabulani spent years working together. "He was like a brother to me. We travelled together and did amazing projects. He was kind, generous and gave people many opportunities. He created employment for thousands of people and his legacy will not be forgotten."
HOSPITALISED AND MONEY ISSUES
Last year, Jabulani was admitted to the hospital for gout, a complex form of arthritis with symptoms such as severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe. It is usually caused by obesity, high blood pressure, and/or diabetes. It is often triggered by a bad diet. Despite being one of the wealthiest Durban businessmen, the meat king also encountered a few financial issues and was once forced to auction his luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom and his Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63. These were valued at worth at least R8 million and he did this to pay off his debt. He admitted to owing SA Revenue Service (Sars) millions of Rands and had arranged to pay off the debt in monthly installments.
