Mzansi Celebs Comfort Singer Danya Devs Following His Mom’s Death: “My Heartfelt Condolences”
- Danya Devs was comforted by his fans and celebrity peers following the tragic passing of his beloved mother
- The Asambe singer posted an emotional message as he reflected on his mom's sendoff, describing it as the "hardest day of his life"
- Danya shared pictures from the funeral, which captured the sombre yet beautiful atmosphere as he bid a final farewell to his mom
- Briefly News spoke with relationship expert Paula Quinsee, who spoke about grief and how it heavily impacts celebrities
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Source: Instagram
Amapiano and Afro-pop star Sphelele "Danya Devs" Dunywa was overwhelmed with emotion as he reflected on his mom's passing.
In a recent statement, the Asambe hitmaker shared a heartbreaking announcement, revealing that his mom passed away on Monday, 16 February 2026. Danya has since stepped back from social media to process the profound loss.
On Sunday, 22 February, the singer and former Ambitiouz Entertainment signee shared photos from his mom's funeral, which was held a day prior on 21 February.
The heart-wrenching images showcased the deep outpouring of love and support from those who gathered to honour her memory, reflecting Danya's profound grief during what he described as a truly devastating time in his life.
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"Yesterday was the hardest day of my life. We laid my mother to rest. I’m not someone who speaks too much, but I honoured her the only way I know how - through song and through dance. That’s how she raised me. That’s how she understood me."
Danya shared a moving moment from the service when Inkosi Mxolisi Buhlebezwe Wilson Xolo highlighted the profound legacy of love the singer inherited.
He touched on how Danya’s father cherished his mother until her last breath, gifting her flowers on Valentine’s Day, only two days before she took her final rest.
"That kind of love is something I will carry with me forever."
Source: Instagram
Overwhelmed by the support he has received, the singer expressed heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, and fans who supported him during this period of grief. Among the mourners was beloved singer Sjava, who was captured in a poignant exchange as he knelt to share a private word with Danya.
Even in mourning, he reaffirmed his commitment to his craft and credited his mother for believing in him long before he became a success story. He hopes to honour her as he plans his return to the stage to promote his new album, Bayede.
"In her honour, I will continue with the tour and upcoming media. We continue the Bayede journey together."
Briefly News spoke with a relationship expert, Paula Quinsee, who spoke about the negative side of being a public figure who has to deal with grief. Quinsee said personalities are faced with heavy scrutiny from people because of their celebrity status.
She explained that people often analyse everything they do, adding to the emtional toll they are already faced with.
See the pictures from Danya Devs' mother's funeral below.
Mzansi stars comfort Danya Devs
Peers gathered in the comment section with heartwarming tributes to Danya Devs' mother. Read some of their messages below.
Grammy Award-winning singer and producer Zakes Bantwini wrote:
"Ahh, Ntwana yam, @danya_devs. I’m just glad she at least got to see you become the man she raised you to be. Nxese, bhut’omncane, phephisa."
Legendary gospel singer Rebecca Malope said:
hl to you and your family, my son. May God surround you with love, comfort, and strength during this painful time."
Actor Thapelo Mokoena posted:
"Condolences to you and the family, young bro."
Music duo Major Steez comforted Danya Devs:
"Condolences, my brother."
DJ Warras' son speaks at his memorial service
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to a touching speech by DJ Warras' son at his memorial service.
The young man, who is the DJ's oldest child, reflected on their relationship with their dad and their shared plans to keep his memory and legacy alive.
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Source: Briefly News
Moroba Moroeng (Entertainment editor) Moroba Maepa, née Moroeng, is an entertainment editor at Briefly News and a University of Johannesburg alumni (Public Relations and Communications, 2018). She was the editor for HipHop Africa, where she honed her proofreading, leadership, and content management skills. Having begun her career as a content writer for Slikour OnLife, Moroba has eight years of experience as a writer specialising in music journalism and entertainment. She joined Briefly News in 2023 and completed a set of training courses by the Google News Initiative. Email: moroba.moroeng@briefly.co.za
Paula Quinsee (Certified Relationship Therapy Educator and founder of Engaged Humans) Paula Quinsee is the founder of Engaged Humans, facilitating connection between individuals and organisations to create a more human-connected world. She is a certified Imago Relationship Therapy educator and facilitator, NLP practitioner, PDA analyst, coach and trainer. Paula is also the author of two self-help guides - Embracing Conflict and Embracing No - as well as an international speaker, advocate for mental health and activist for gender-based violence.
