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The talented South African scriptwriter Christian Blomkamp
has died from Covid-19 complications.
Christian, who was born on 25 November 1976, was hospitalised after contracting Covid-19 and died on Friday, 30 July.
"Our beautiful son and brother to Cath died this afternoon," his father, Paul wrote on Facebook.
"Tonight we travel a different road. A scary and utterly lonely road. Our love for him is the one light we have to show the way. We love you dear Christian. For always."
As a TV writer Christian scripted numerous episodes for several of the country's most-watched shows.
The 44-year-old was a former head writer for the Morula Pictures-produced Generations on SABC1.
He also wrote for The Wild on M-Net (DStv 101), as well as series on M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel like Isibaya produced by The Bomb Shelter, Gomora produced by Seriti Films, and The Omen produced by Magic Drum Films.
Christian was also a scriptwriter on SABC3's Isidingo, as well as a storyliner and senior writer on e.tv's weekday soap Rhythm City produced by Quizzical Pictures until that show's conclusion in mid-July.
Tributes pour in
Zeli Zulu, Rhythm City head writer, in a tribute, told Arts24 that "Christian, like the characters he created and the stories he wrote, was a special human being".
"He was kind, gentle and generous. Everything he did, he gave of himself completely –a talented writer who, in his own words, 'just wanted to tell a good story'. And he gave us great stories, the greatest one being the story of his life. To know Chris was to love him. He had a cheeky sense of humour, a natural ability to bring light, even in the darkest of times.
"His loyalty to those he loved was steadfast and unwavering. His commitment to the industry, unmatched. This is an incredible loss, but we take heart in knowing that right up until the very end, he was doing what he loved the most – telling stories. He may be gone from this world, but his stories will live on. Until we meet again, friend, brother, son and scribe".
Producer, writer, and actor Tiffany Barbuzano told Arts24 that when she met Christian Blomkamp they were "bright-eyed and ready to take on the world".
In a tribute to him, Tiffany wrote: "We shared so many incredible moments at university together. Broken hearts, beautiful dreams, secret crushes. You loved to tease me with your 'soft hands'. Your beautiful piano player hands. You wanted nothing more than to be loved and deserved nothing but the best kind of love. You understood story and character on a level most only wish they could.
"Nothing made me laugh more than your astute commentary on our industry and the people who work in it. Dearest friend, we never got to write that script together. I never got to taste one of your incredible patisserie creations. But I will always hold our friendship deep in my heart. Rest gently beautiful friend. You'll always have a place at our table."
The radio presenter Bailey Georgiades (Schneider) who does The Bailey Boost podcast host, and who now lives Athens, Greece described her friend to Arts24 as "an incredibly special man, with some of the best storytelling skills I've ever come across.”
She added: "I am absolutely devastated to lose Christian – one of the most talented, kindest, funniest and most thoughtful! I was one of the lucky ones to have him as one of my best friends and I adored him."
"Christian was one of the best storytellers I've ever met. He created the best stories and characters for TV viewers all over SA, scriptwriting for The Wild, former headwriter of Generations, Isidingo, Isibaya, Rhythm City and more.
"His talent didn’t end with writing, he was doing an impressive pastry chef course, which just showed how he could do anything he put his mind to. Proud is an understatement. I’m going to miss him more than I know how to put into words – he has left a massive void in my life and I am heartbroken. Rest in peace my incredible friend ... until we meet again."
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