Obituary of Cetawayo Sonnebeyatta

Cetawayo was born May 18, 1983 in Jackson Mississippi to Kemba Sonnebeyatta and Wayne Foster bka Tarik Sonnebeyatta. The youngest of 7 children he was dubbed "Satchmo " early on because of his chubby cheeks in remembrance of Louis Armstrong. At the age of 4 the family moved back to Camden, NJ. As a youth he participated in karate, football and baseball for the mighty Centerville Simbas. Also, he was a part of Children Of Shango African Dance company and danced throughout the tri-state area as a young teenager, including at Odunde Festival twice. He continued as a multi-sport athlete competing at Camden High school while attending Medical Arts high school. He would later graduate from Medical Arts class of 2001. He went on to attend an HBCU Delaware State for his freshman year before returning home to join the workforce. He eventually received certifications for massage therapy, personal trainer, was a basketball referee, a forklift operator, and culinary arts. It was during culinary arts he developed a love for cooking and served as his mother's personal chef. He was known for his outgoing personality, his big heart, and his "you got served" dance skills. He was always the life of the party and gave the greatest gifts. Cetawayo was extremely proud to be an uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. He was a loving son, brother, cousin, and uncle. He was predeceased by his father Tarik Sonnebeyatta and leaves to celebrate his life: his mother Kemba Sonnebeyatta, his brothers Kehinde, Taiwo, Atiba (Danielle), Obatala (Shervon), and Hesaam (Marlo), and one sister Sibongile; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. The family is truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received throughout this process and welcome continued prayers. Cetawayo was a deep dark ray of sunshine who's light will continue to radiate through us all.