The estranged wife of Nkululeko "Flabba" Habedi, Mpho, spoke movingly of the slain rapper at his funeral yesterday, noting that though the flame of their love had flickered it never went out.
Flabba was buried at West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, after a three-hour long service at Alexandra Stadium.
He was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend, Sindisiwe Manqele, in the early hours of Monday last week.
Manqele is to reappear in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court today.
Although many of Flabba's fans are baying for Manqele 's blood, his wife found words intended to soothe .
Mpho said that, despite their separation - they were together for 15 years and had known each other for 20 - he was "a good man" who helped bring up their daughter, Lesego.
At the funeral Lesego read a poem dedicated to her father.
Mpho promised to look after both Lesego and Tshegofatso, Flabba's son.
Said Mpho in a tribute that was read out on her behalf by a friend: "You once said to me that our love is like the sun: it rises, it shines, But unfortunately it sets for a few hours and I truly believe that it was on the point of rising again.
"Despite what people might think, I am truly hurt. People will never know the bond we shared.
"I still have a long road with Lesego. Please be with me on this road. I am going to miss you."
Among the mourners at the funeral were rapper Amu, Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau, comedians Mpho "Popps" Modikoane and David Kau, singer and Idols judge Unathi Msengana and her husband Thomas, and members of hip-hoppers Skwatta Kamp, the group that made Flabba such a local music icon.
Mourners were asked to excuse the profanities that were occasionally used in recalling Flabba's quirks because that was just the way he was - frank.
Friends said Flabba's snoring could rival that of a Mercedes-Benz C63's engine.
Such admissions helped lighten the mood and provide some laughter amid the tears.
Popular poet Mzwakhe Mbuli asked for "fairness", arguing that the headlines would be very different had Flabba been the one accused of murder. He referred to Taliep Petersen's murder at the hands of his wife, Najwa.
Crooner Kabomo performed two songs - Sankomota's Papa and Thandiswa Mazwai's Nizalwa Ngobani - before thanking Flabba's mother for raising "the most generous spirit" who "had no ounce of ego".
Vicky Vilakazi delivered a rousing rendition of Amazing Grace.
Childhood friend Sbusiso Mfusi promised that he would drink one beer and pour another into the soil for Flabba.
The rapper's tombstone had the words "Heita, hola" (roughly "Hey, hello") engraved on it.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
