The wife of renowned Tongan singer and composer Feleti Kaufusi has died nearly two weeks after his death on December 10.
A funeral service will be held for Losaline Lupe Kaufusi in Tongatapu on January 7.
Losaline was a public health officer at Tonga’s Ministry of Health.
She died last Sunday, December 23. The cause of her death has yet to be officially released.
She is survived by two children she bore with Feleti.
According to Kaniva News, it is understood Feleti had 10 children, including the offspring of a previous marriage.
Call for help
The double tragedy has left local musicians and business community reeling.
Business man Faka’osi Maama was devastated.
He quoted on Facebook a lament by the couple’s son Semisi which said: “…mo li’aki pehe’i mai pe ‘e kimoua mautolu….”.
This translates into English as: “You abandoned us like that.”
Maama has asked his 5000 friends on Facebook to help him create a trust fund to raise funds to help Kaufusi’s children.
Maama’s post received 1400 reactions, 166 comments and 157 shares.
In response, the Director of Fly Niu Airline, ‘Atu Finau, told Maama to let him know when the Trust is set up.
Musical talent
Feleti’s musical talent has kept his followers’ interests in his music and songs alive and kicking even after his death.
Many shared some of the numerous video clips in which he was featured singing either with his electric band or in acoustic performances during kava social sessions.