{
  "id": 886321,
  "title": "Gospel artiste Esther Igbekele loses mother",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/gospel-artiste-esther-igbekele-loses-mother",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T16:32:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/gospel-artiste-esther-igbekele-loses-mother/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian gospel artist Esther Igbekele, known as the Duchess of Gospel Music, has broken the news of her mother's demise on Instagram. In an emotional post, she mourned the loss of her mother, Mary Amope Igbekele, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday and wedding anniversary. The singer poured her heart out, saying, \"AND MY MOTHER DIED. Death, you took my GOLD away.\" Esther, who began her music journey in 1996, has released multiple gospel albums and has performed at events both in Nigeria and abroad, including shows in the United States and the United Kingdom. As of now, the cause of her mother's death remains undisclosed, and funeral arrangements have not been announced. The gospel singer has received condolences from her fans and well-wishers, who have expressed their sympathies towards Esther and her family.",
  "summary": "Gospel artiste Esther Igbekele announces the passing of her mother, Mary Amope Igbekele (JP). Fans and well-wishers send condolences to the singer. Read More: https://punchng.com/gospel-artiste-esther-igbekele-loses-mother/",
  "key_points": [
    "Nigerian gospel artist Esther Igbekele mourns her mother's death",
    "Mother Mary Amope Igbekele celebrated 70th birthday and wedding anniversary",
    "Esther Igbekele's music career began in 1996"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Gospel artiste Esther Igbekele loses mother",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/gospel-artiste-esther-igbekele-loses-mother-892152",
        "published": "2026-08-14T17:12:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}