South African celebrities have joined scores of people in paying tribute to singer and entertainer Koyo Bala, who passed away on Monday morning.

The 3Sum band member succumbed to cancer, after a long and passionate fight.

Five days before his death, Koyo talked about missing his mother in heaven. 

“I'm missing my mother so bad; especially with what I have "cancer", maybe she would have [a] solution of how I can beat it ...,” he commented on an Instagram picture he posted about wishing heaven had visiting hours. 

READ: Koyo won't let cancer defeat him

Despite the sad post, Koyo remained upbeat. 

In the days leading up to his death, he was pictured hanging out with friends, having fun on the beach, and even attended the Metro FM Music Awards. 

His celebrity friends took to Instagram shortly after his passing to remember the "loving human" who had a "fabulous energy".   

I remember this moment the things we spoke abt God who is gng to be my best friend now RIP beautiful butterfly pic.twitter.com/0Ww3LIjrlC

— Amstel Entertainment (@AmstelDiva) March 7, 2016

READ: 'I Love You Daddy' singer dies

 

And this wud be the last time we see him as we leave the airport. I'm shattered @koyo_bala rip

A photo posted by Somizi (@somizi) on Mar 7, 2016 at 2:51am PST

 

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND... You will forever be in my heart @koyo_bala

A photo posted by Khanyi Mbau METANOIA (@mbaureloaded) on Mar 7, 2016 at 2:22am PST

 

we first met when we were teenagers in high school in cape town. we always spoke about how us capetonians were trying to make it in the big city of joburg. you knew me before all 'this' happened. koyo, your fabulous energy will be sorely missed. looking forward to our catch up gossip session on the other side. my heart is broken. r.i.p

A photo posted by Claire B. Mawisa (@clairemawisa) on Mar 7, 2016 at 5:50am PST

 

I had hoped and prayed that you'd survive this awful cancer for all those that didn't like my Grandma. I'm grateful that I got to speak to you one last time last week. Ramasedi ke ena a itsing tsila ya rona. Robala ngwana Modimo, ke tshepa gore moya wa hao o motle o legodimong. Rest In Perfect Peace Koyo Bala.

A photo posted by Dineo Moeketsi (@dineomoeketsi) on Mar 7, 2016 at 5:30am PST

 

....to think we took this image a week ago at the Metro FM Awards, now you're gone!! May your soul rest in peace Koyo. What a wonderful, consistent & loving human being you were. You'll forever remain in our hearts. Rest In Peace. 🙏🏽❤️ Such devastating news. Numb.

A photo posted by Bonang B* Matheba (@bonang_m) on Mar 7, 2016 at 2:44am PST

 

RIP,gentle soul,I saw you last week in Durban ,as usual you were full of life ,vibrancy and vitality ,my heart is heavy ,but in remembrance of you ,I will force it to rise and celebrate the life you lived so fully .❤️😇

A photo posted by Bonnie Mbuli (@officialbonbizzle) on Mar 7, 2016 at 2:56am PST

Image credit: supplied