Remembering Palesa Ravele: A Gospel Star Gone Too Soon

South Africa gospel music is sad because Dereal Palesa Ravele, a very good Venḓa singer, passed away. People called him “Da Real Palesa” or “WaMaḓembe”. He had a strong voice and his songs made people feel happy and close to God. He died on the night of 3 September 2025 while in hospital, and they confirmed it the next morning. He was becoming famous for his music that mixed Venḓa style with new gospel sounds, and he made many people feel hope.

Early Life and Background

Dereal Palesa Ravele was born in Itsani, a small village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo, South Africa. He was the youngest of six children – three brothers and two sisters – and his mother raised them alone. From when he was young, Palesa loved music. At 10 years old, he started singing in his church choir. His Venḓa culture was important in his music, and he used more of Tshivenḓa language and rhythms. People in his village knew him as a talented young singer.

When he was about 16, in 2006, Palesa got sick with asthma. This made singing very hard for him, and he said life was difficult then. But in 2012, he believed God healed him completely. After that, he could sing again and follow his dream.

Career Highlights

After getting better, Palesa started his music career. He made his first song in 2014, and his first album came out in 2016. He released more albums in 2018, 2020, and an EP called Renowned Name in 2022, then another album in 2024. The EP had songs like “Vhuhulu” and “Renowned Name”, which were about praising God.

Some of his popular songs were “This Kind God” from the album NDI YEHOVA ORILWELAHO (2023), “IPFA THABELO YANGA”, “Khotsi Anga”, and others like “Tshanda Tshawe” and “HASHANDUKI YESO”. His music was on Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music, and many people listened to him. He was nominated for awards and won some for his gospel music.

Palesa performed on Sunday Live Express (Episode 6) after winning a Star Search competition. People said he was a “magical vocalist” who made them feel like they were in church. He also shared his story of healing and faith at events.

Health Struggles and Final Days

Palesa had asthma before, but he did not talk much about his health recently. Though he went for kidneys related operation lately, we don’t know exactly why and how he passed, but he was in hospital when he passed away. His death was a big shock to his fans and the gospel music world because he seemed healthy and active at all times.

Legacy and Tributes

After he died, many people shared their sadness on TikTok and Facebook. They posted videos of his singing and said he brought hope and light. One post from #VintageInspirations said in Tshi-Venḓa, “Iṱo ḽa we a mmbona a ḽi tsha ḓo dovha hafhu ḽa mmbona”, which means they were very sad to lose him. Another group, Thabelo Ya Matsheloni Music, said they were heartbroken.

Palesa’s music will keep inspiring people with messages of faith and love for God. His songs are still here to lift people up. We don’t know about his funeral yet, but everyone is sharing how much he meant to them.

Palesa Ravele Memorial & Funeral Details

The memorial service for Pales will be held at Worship House, Date: 12 September 2025. Funeral service will also take place at the same Worship House Hall on Saturday of 13 September 2025.

Dereal Palesa Ravele left us too soon, but his voice will stay in our hearts forever. Rest in peace.

For more Vhembe news, please visit City of Thohoyandou Magazine.