By ‘Dayo Showemimo
It’s another season of love and the world over, St Valentine’s day will be celebrated in an atmosphere of love, sharing and happiness. But among friends, family and colleagues of late Susan Oluwabunmi Filani, it will be a day for them to recall, once more the sad, shocking and untimely death of their daughter, wife and friend known to us all as Goldie Harvey who passed on that Thursday, February 14, 2013, exactly two years ago today about 8 months short of her 32nd birthday.
Goldie was full of life and had just returned from attending the 55th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles when she suddenly slumped and died without warning. She only complained of a slight headache and was immediately rushed to the hospital and a few hours later, at 10pm to be precise, she was pronounced dead at tReddington Hospital, Victoria Island.
An autopsy into the real cause of her death revealed that the singer suffered from deep vein thrombosis, resulting from pulmonary embolism — a sudden blockage of the lung artery which was said to have occurred as a result of the long 12-hour flight from the United States to Lagos.
2weeks after her death, the late pop singer was laid to rest on Monday, February 25, 2013 at the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, Lagos Island. Family members, colleagues and friends gathered as the late singer was laid to rest. In attendance were the likes of ELDee, Kenny and ID Ogungbe, her then label mates including Capital FEMI, Joe-EL and Jaywon and others like Tiwa Savage, Dele Momodu, OJB Jezreel, Gbenga Adeyinka and many others.
2 years after, Goldie lives on and the Nigerian music industry surely misses her. NET gathered that the February 14 date of the presidential election in Nigeria which has now been postponed, led to the cancellation of plans by her former label, Kennis Music to honour her today. And according to a source, with just one week’s notice, very little or nothing could be done.
A number of times, the question about what Goldie would have become if she was still alive has pooped up. But no matter what opinion one has, what remains incontestable is that Goldie was a dedicated, resolute, ambitious and talented music star who achieved a number of feats before her untimely death even though she was hardly really given a chance.
At the pace she was going before her sudden death, it’s safe to say Goldie would have gone international. For those who knew her or had the privilege of seeing her perform, Goldie Susan Harvey was a terrific entertainer who passionately strived for years to attain her dreams, not minding the criticisms that came her way.
She grew up in a family that made sure her life revolved around church activities, yet against all odds and the wishes of her strict father, she found herself gravitating towards secular entertainment. With the encouragement of Cool FM’s Manny, she launched a music career and in less than five years had made a mark on the Nigerian music industry. Her bold and colourful videos, exuberant personality and animated performances were just a few of the unique traits that propelled her to the apex of her career and cemented her position as a true pop-diva. Goldie exuded a personality that sometimes hovered between stark eccentricity and extraordinary creativity, factors that endeared many to her.
On the personal front, late Goldie Harvey, unknown to many when she was alive, was married to Andrew Harvey who has since remarried. Andrew re-married on August 3, 2013 as he walked down the aisle with a Malaysia-based Filipino woman named Beth Buenaventura.
In honour of Goldie, her former label mates, Essence, Jaywon and Joe-El and others recorded tribute songs for the late singer. Recently speaking to NET two years after the demise of Goldie, some of her colleagues continue to pay tribute to her.
‘As a fellow colleague former label mate, we were growing to be close before she died. We had a couple of serious conversations about music….life….family etc. But what I keep wondering is what stunts she would have pulled if she was here…she was a pool of ideas and had many in store. It’s sad that we won’t see anymore of her unique artistry’.
’Goldie was a unique and hardworking artist. The one time I met her, she was really pleasant to me and every time I remember her, I’m reminded about the importance of leaving a good first impression. Gone too soon but not forgotten. R.I.P’.
Joe El
‘Goldie was a sister, Friend and caring Lady. I miss her and wish she didn’t go early. R.I.P’.
Capital FEMI
February 14th 2013 was a day that can never be forgotten not because it’s the day we celebrate love the most but because I lost a friend and that day turned out to be the worst Valentine’s day ever.
Susan ‘Goldie’ Harvey my friend died on that day and she is very much missed… her funny ways, her laughter, kindness and most of all the hard work she puts into her craft that she loved dearly, if you knew her well you know exactly what I mean. Continue to Rest in peace my dear Goldie your true friends and fans will always truly miss you, I miss you.
KSB (Kenny Saint Best)
It’s been two years of Goldie’s death. For me it is Still a black valentine. I miss her greatly. Her death has taught me a lot of things about being an Artiste.
These include the followings…
1. ‘Artistic content’ is more valuable than Artist’s PR Packaging.
2. Excessive PR drive can wear out the artist, and lastly
3. As an entertainer, you can’t love your fans more than yourself. Don’t burn out . So, attend to yourself by resting, taking a break, take your health seriously. Use your family to replenish . And don’t forget that your fans Ave other artist they love.
Shola Ijanusi (her manager)
Always wanting to make people laugh, Always wanting people around her to be happy and comfortable. All I can say is that May her soul continue to rest in the Bossom of the Lord this second year.
Tee Jay Billion
A lady of songs, laughter and inspiration. How do I ever forget my dear friend knowing you left us on a day filled with love, which also happen to be my wedding day. Your heart is so great and it so happened that the kids across Africa will not get to witness the awesome dreams you had for them. You changed the creative path for Nigerian music videos. your boldness created a lane for new school female acts in naija. Thank you for your light in our lives. We love you Goldie Susan Harvey.
