It was a somber gathering of artistes and other dignitaries yesterday evening in Benin City in honor of late gospel singer Obareki Don Momoh (Kefee). The candle light memorial service for the fallen star held at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre drew many fans of her music to the event. It was organised by her friends and music entertainers.

With Kefee’s music video playing on a projector in the background, several artistes mounted the stage to give moving gospel song renditions that took the crowd at the event through different emotions that ran the gamut from sorrow to thanksgiving to God.

Popular gospel artiste Sammy Okposo broke down in tears on stage while singing a gospel song. As he passed his microphone to a female singer, he turned his back on the audience and wept as he was consoled by another female singer.

Another music act, Chivano, offered a wistful ballad set on smooth RnB beats. As he crowed “Kefee bye”, exclamations of grief filled the auditorium.

In his speech at the event, the Governor of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole said: “We hold Kefee dearly in our hearts. Kefee lives on beyond the end of time.”

The governor (who was represented by his Special Assistant on Entertainment, Maleke) quoted literary great Shakespeare: “All that live must die, passing through nature to eternity.” Continuing, Oshiomhole said “those who have lived a good life should not fear death, but meet it calmly.”

Maleke (a popular music artiste himself) delivered Oshiomhole’s speech in a song to the surprise and admiration of the hundreds at the auditorium.

Also quoting from Shakespeare, the Managing Director of Arts and Culture in Edo State, Moses Obakpolor said: “Out, out brief candle, life is but a walking shadow. It is a tale...that signifies nothing.”

Kefee’s remains will be committed to mother earth today in her hometown, Okpara Inland in Delta State. the award-wing gospel singer and music composer died of blood haemorrage during child birth in the United States of America. She was 34.

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