Amid tears and wails, Nigerian Award Winning singer GOLDIE was laid to rest this afternoon at a private funeral at Vaults and Gardens Ikoyi, Lagos State. Among all that gathered to pay last respects to the exceptional songstress, below are excerpts of two people closest to her during her wonderful life time on mother earth.
Andrew Harvey's tribute to his wife
Susan you walked into my life, it was like God sent
you as a fresh breath. I still remember your response to my first love message.
You said 'Love killed romeo, sent Diana to an early grave and killed Jack on
the Titanic. Forget about love, just have friendship and live long.
Overtime our love grew to a depth I have never
known. You were the best years of my life, your smile, your desire to live your
dream.
Denrele's tribute words
My super star friend sways away and I stand watching
till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says "she's
gone"...Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as
gorgeous now as when last I saw her. Her slightly disappearing figure and total
loss from my sight is in me, not in her.
And just at that moment, when someone at my side
says she's gone, there are others who are watching her coming over their
horizon and other voices take up a glad shout - There she comes! That is what
dying is - an horizon and just the limit of our sight.
My lifeline, my lexicon, therapist and support
system…we have known lots of pleasure, at times endured ppai, we have lived in
the sunshine and walked in the rain. I had acute malaria (was shaking terribly)
but performed “skibobo” with you at the Industry Night and Loud & Proud
show, I sprained my ankle but still shot your three videos in a row in S/A.
I left my family house and moved in with you and
your family right after all the Big Brother Africa madness, I did all the
damage control…
I fought every organizer simply cos I wanted you on
the bill with me and split my show earnings with you. I dragged you to the
American Embassy even if it meant I had to get up at 4am. I endured negative
criticism because shallow minds couldn’t comprehend your brand essence – I
started wearing block heels (you got me the most fabulous pair of Jeffrey
Campbells) and I damned the consequences. I recorded the reality show “Tru
Friendship” with you because you went on and on about it and I wanted to please
you.
I have been your fierce-alter ego in all your
videos, I have fought your fights, endured countless eccentric P.As with you…I
can go on and on and this is how you leave me? You chose an eternal sleep over
a fabulous life with me? Lest I forget, I ate the entire box of birthday
chocolates Bola sent to you!
Phew, I can’t type anymore, I’m playing “Good To Me”
(always disturbed you to release that song) and my notepad is a misty mass of
my never ending tears. So sad when people who give you the best memories,
become a memory!
The Goldie I knew, despite your success and
worldwide recognition, still wondered, “Am I good enough?” “Am I pretty
enough?” “Will they like me?” It was this burden that made you great…And that
made you stumble in the end.
Goldie if you can hear me now, you weren’t good just
good enough – You were abso-frigging-lutely GREAT! You sang the whole damn song
without a band- you made the picture of a showbiz star look so perfect!
Your parting has left a void, but I will fit it with
remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss and oh yes, these things I
too will miss. Even though we are separated and for a time apart, I am not
alone cos you’re forever in my heart. I will move mountains to continue your
legacy, I will crash ceilings to spread your good works, I will break barriers
to sell your “market” but above all, I will cherish the awesome times we spent
together…You will forever be my source of infinity!
We wore the same shoe size and had the same body
proportions. You made me start strutting lashes and recall I wore that black
dress of yours you never got to wear? No masterpiece can ever match your face!
To everyone reading this piece, let my dear friend rest in peace! Speak no evil
about her, she was too good to be true!
I can hear you say to me…Mbirikoko, do not stand at
my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep, Do not stand at my grave and
cry…I am not there, I did not die!
Denrele Edun.
GOLDIE WE ALL LOVE YOU BUT GOD IN HEAVEN LOVES YOU MORE...WE SHALL MEET SOMEDAY TO PART NO MORE...ADIEU TO A DEAR FRIEND
