It's been almost 11 years since Lebo Mathosa passed away and as the local music industry continued on without her presence one of her closest friends and band member, Theo has throughout the years found it difficult in accepting her passing.
In an interview on Metro FM, Theo mentioned that Lebo's passing fueled his depression and for a good two years he was in denial of the fact that she was really gone.
"I remember, I got a call. It was around 6 in the morning, that day to say that Lebo had passed on and I was like 'no it can't be true.' Lebo is not a dying type and it hit me after 2 years of her passing and you know when people that you love pass on you are in denial. So after 2 years, it hit me that actually she is gone and then after that I had to put my life together after that and figure out a way of moving on. It was such a painful journey and we talk about it with the guys I mean it's been 10 years now but it still feels like yesterday. She was a good friend, a good colleague and a very spiritual individual with an amazing soul."
"It wasn't an easy journey for me. I had to figure out who is Theo without Lebo? Who is Theo without Boom Shaka? Who is Theo without the fans? And it was a reality because when you're sitting at home, and everything is falling apart we have to ask ourselves these questions. Who am I without all the assets that I have, assets that I ended up losing as well and even friends that disappeared.
More than anything what helped me was the love that I had for my family. I had to think of my mom, dad and brothers...I also had to pray a lot. I remember there was a time when I was at my lowest and I called Basetsana Kumalo to help me. I was like 'my sister I am falling apart' and she told me not to worry as she knew I would come out victorious."
Basetsana would later on send Theo an inspirational Bible verse which he later tattooed on himself.
Theo has since bounced back and is doing and feeling better than ever.
Main Image Credit: Instagram/@Theo_Nhlengethwa