Kobe Bryant receives honorable tribute with Jennifer Hudson and Common remembering his legacy at the NBA All-Star 2020 game.
Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi were among the 9 who passed on 26th January 2020. Since his death, a series of events have transpired to remember the life of a man many immortalized for his discipline, courage, and spirit.
The NBA All-Star games were held in Chicago this past weekend, and award-winning songstress Jennifer Hudson sang a song in memory of Kobe fondly known to fans as ‘Black Mamba’. Hudson sang a rendition of Donna Hathaway’s “For All We Know.” Dressed in a velvet purple dress, she belted the soul-stirring tune leaving the audience stunned. The striking song was backed by piano and cello which added to the emotional performance by the powerful, emotional vocals as images of Bryant were projected on a screen behind Ms. Hudson.
The somber mood in the room was then uplifted at rapper Common eulogized Kobe Bryant and the city of Chicago. His spoken word performance was thrilling. Recounting Bryant’s special relationship with Michael Jordan, Common noted that Bryant took on the same spirit of mentorship using basketball to improve the lives of rookies in the NBA League, and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Common described Bryant as a “king draped in purple and gold”
and encouraged fans, family and friends to embrace Bryant’s Mamba mentality, so
that “even in the darkest times, they would feel Kobe’s light.”
Chance the Rapper also performed, as did the great Shaka Khan. Chicago native Former President Barack Obama was also present at the weekend’s activities. He was involved in the NBA Cares event on Friday 14th.
The games saw Team Lebron square off against Team Giannis, where Lebron James’ team won the game with a 2-point lead. According to reports, hometown kid Anthony Davis nailed the game-winning free throw, capping a wild fourth quarter that produced some of the greatest All-Star Game action that played more like a Game 7 of The Finals. The game ended 157-155 to Team Lebron, but most importantly the NBA All-Star was a chance to bring together the basketball fraternity in the aftermath of losing the legendary Kobe Bryant.
Kobe and Gigi Bryant were buried in a private ceremony, as earlier reported by The Sauce. The memorial service slated for 24th February is open to the public and is set to be held at the Staples Center.
