Rapper and entertainer Ameen Levy, aka Rapping Donkey, is devastated after he lost his home in a fire.
But the Paarl resident says he is lucky to be alive after escaping through a bedroom window.
Ameen is known for his heart of gold and assisting his community and fellow artists, and during lockdown, the pensioner and his wife distributed food to the needy from their own pockets.
The 67-year-old has released more than 10 albums during his career and featured on TV programmes such as Maak ‘n Las.
He says the fire broke out in his home on Wednesday night shortly after 7pm.
“It was only God who protected us when the fire caused by an electrical short circuit destroyed my house within 10 minutes,” he says.
“The fire started in a room at the front. I was sitting in our main bedroom when the fire started. I rushed down the passage to see what was happening and as I opened the passage door, a ball of fire came my way full force.
“I was trapped in our bedroom. The only way was to smash the window and jump for my life.
“In the process, my ankle was hurt, but I praise God that none of my family members were hurt in the devastating fire where we lost everything.”
Ameen, his wife Marie, their two daughters and two grandchildren were at home at the time.
“Our youngest daughter inhaled smoke and was taken to hospital for a check-up but she has since been released.
“All we have left from the inferno is the clothes on our backs,” he says.
He says neighbours tried to douse the flames until the fire brigade arrived but it was all over within 15 minutes.
He also lost all his musical instruments and sound equipment, including his prized guitars.
“I would like to thank my neighbours who lent a helping hand to my family. The only things that were not destroyed are my Bible and religious books.”
His wife Marie Levy, 66, says one of the grandchildren alerted her to smoke coming from the roof: “Everything happened very quickly, we were all running out and the flames were everywhere.
“It sounded like gunshots as the windows exploded from the heat.
“People outside said they never saw anything like it, our house was destroyed in under 15 minutes.”
If you would like to assist the family in any way, please call Ameen on 083 398 7718.