TRIBUTES are pouring in for the late renowned Famo artiste Rethabile Mokete aka Mosotho Chakela who died of COVID- 19 related complications on Tuesday in Bloemfontein. He was aged 54.

Chakela who was also the founder and leader of the formidable Famo gang called Terene was admitted in hospital with three others.

Two of the men have since recovered while the third is still battling for his life in hospital.

Terene deputy leader Nteei Tšehlana said Chakela’s death has left a huge gap in the group as he worked hard to keep the members together.

Tšehlana appealed to other members of the group not to despair over their iconic leader’s death, saying the outfit will still survive even after his passing.

“We will keep this group alive,” he said, adding that the members will decide on the next leader.

“But Khosi’s death has left us completely devastated, we cannot hide from that truth,” he said.

The Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture Advocate Lekhetho Rakuoane said the deceased will always be remembered for his unique music, which was rich with history.

“His music keeps records as well as entertains people,” he said.

“He would pick up anything happening around and include it in his music,” Adv Rakuoane said.

He encouraged young and upcoming artistes to emulate the late musician so that his legacy could stay on for generations to come.

“Chakela had many followers who believed in him,” he said.

Leader of All Basotho Convention (ABC) and former Prime Minister Motsoahae Thabane said Chakela’s passing has left him torn apart.

“His loss is painful,” Mr Thabane said with a feeble voice, passing his condolences to the Chakela family and all the people who followed his music.

“I also pass my condolences to the Democratic Congress (DC) leader,” Thabane said.

Chakela had always been a staunched supporter of ABC before he recently defected to DC.

For his part, DC leader Mathibeli Mokhothu said Chakela’s death is indeed painful and has left them in great grief.

“But God will spiritually give us another Chakela. Our prayers are with the family and members of Terene,” he said.

“Those who remain behind should continue doing what Chakela did, to entertain people with music.”

He described him as a good singer whose music will forever remain in the hearts of many.

Besides being a prominent musician, the late Chakela was also a successful businessman in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Over the years, Chakela managed to evade gun shots that were meant to eliminate him.

During the Pakalitha Mosisili-led government, the late musician was banned in Lesotho because Mosisili regarded him as a firebrand.

He was even forced to bury his late his father in South Africa because he was not allowed to enter his native country.

Authorities consistently failed to extradite him to Lesotho after he was fingered in the murder of Thabane’s estranged wife Lipolelo who was gunned down in Ha ’Masana, Maseru in June 2017.

Chakela was charged along with Seabata Sello and Molefi Matima aka Mokata-lirope who was shot dead in South Africa last year.

Thabane and his current wife ’Maesaiah are also suspects in Lipolelo’s murder.

Chakela will be remembered for his tracks like “Ha ke tseke borena” which is one of the latest numbers.

One of his popular songs is “Lerato”, or love in English.

He used to sing alongside other popular Famo artists including Sanko and Motsamai amongst others.