Siphiwo Ntshebe performs at Belsize Village Festival in London.

South African classical/opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe has sadly died of meningitis, aged just 34. He was due to perform at the World Cup opening ceremony on June 11th, having been personally chosen by former president Nelson Mandela. Described by many as the "black Pavarotti", his debut album entitled "Hope" is scheduled for release next month by Epic Records (Sony), the title track having been co-written by Russ Ballard.

Three years ago Siphiwo was the star of the Belsize Village Festival in London NW3, which was co-sponsored by SongLink, captivating an audience of just a couple of hundred with his incredible renditions of "Nessun Dorma" and other works. It's a tragic irony that he has finally found fame, just two weeks before he would have reached a potential audience of millions worldwide. For more information please click the links below.

LINKS:

> BBC News: World Cup opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe dies

> Daily Mail: South Africa's 'Black Pavarotti' dies aged 34