Tears, lamentation as Goldie is buried in Lagos

At Goldie’s burial ... on Monday.

Emotions ran high on Monday as family, friends and well wishers paid their last respect to Hip Hop star and former Big Brother Africa Housemate, Susan Harvey, popularly called Goldie.

The service, which took place in a chapel at Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens, Lagos about 10am, was attended by Goldie’s colleagues in the industry and a large number of journalists, who ignored the request by the deceased’s family for a private service.

Although Goldie’s parents were absent, three of her siblings and her British husband, Andrew, were at the chapel where they also read out tributes.

Goldie’s father, Dipo Filani, who is a pastor, said in his tribute that it was his dream that his daughter would one day become a gospel artiste.

He said initially he was against his daughter’s choice of career, but later allowed her due to her passion.

He said, “Bimpe Harvey (nee Filani) was my first born, the first evidence of my strength and destiny. She was hard-working, focused, intelligent, smart and determined to excel. She started relating to celebrities in newspapers and magazines as a teenager. I did not encourage her but she chose her own path and I had to succumb.

“We trained and exposed her to the truth-Jesus Christ. We were hoping that one day she would sing for Jesus. Indeed she had started showing signs of becoming a blessing to the family, but God knows best. Her stepmother made wonderful efforts to help like any biological mother would do.

‘Her husband spoilt her with love and care. We are satisfied that we have all done our best. We all love you and would miss your love and support. Adieu.”

Andrew, while reading his tribute, struggled to hold back tears. He described the day he met his late wife as the best day of his life.

He said, “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.’

“Over time 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.”

Goldie died of cerebral hemorrhage and heart disease on February 14, 2012 at Reddington Hospital, Victoria Island.

However, it was learnt that the star’s death could have been prevented if she had been rushed to the hospital on time.

While reading Goldie’s biography, Joshua, the deceased’s younger brother, said Goldie fell into a coma and did not get to the hospital on time because of the traffic snarl caused by Valentine Day celebration.

Narrating her last moments amid tears, Joshua said the last person his sister spoke to before her death was their father whom she asked to pray for her.

He said, “Although Bimpe (Goldie) appeared energetic and happy all her life, on February 14, 2013, she complained of headache which led to her death. Her last words were with her father when she snatched the phone from her brother and asked that she wanted to talk to daddy.

“While crying about a splitting headache, she asked for prayer support. Alas she went into a coma almost immediately and died on the way to the hospital due to the Valentine traffic.”

While delivering a sermon, the preacher, Ben Komolafe, urged all to live right before God.

Komolafe said although Goldie was brought up in a Christian home, she strayed by taking to secular music. He however said he was happy to know that Goldie’s father prayed for her shortly before her death.

While taking the Bible reading from the book of Isaiah 65 verse 6-7 and 1st John 2. 15-17, the preacher said all should return to God like the biblical prodigal son.

He said, “I was glad when her dad said her last words were ‘Daddy please pray for me’. She was raised in a Christian home but moved outside God’s plan. Even her colleagues will tell you she showed restraint in her music. That was the influence of good Christian upbringing.

“You all should tap into the grace of God before it expires because there is no more grace after death.”

Those in attendance were Kenny Ogungbe, Denrele Edun, Essence, Kenny St Brown, Weird Mc, Tiwa Savage, Dele Momodu and Gbenga Adeyinka among others.

Edun, who wept profusely, described the deceased as an angel, adding that despite her talents and looks, she never felt she had done enough and this made her to work harder.

Goldie was lowered to the grave at 11.20am. She was 31 years.

PUNCH