Mandoza dies: South Africa remembers kwaito legend

mandoza sabc news

Update, 18 September, 12.43pm: Mandoza’s funeral will take place Saturday, the kwaito star’s family today announced. The venue has yet to be announced. A memorial service will also be planned for Wednesday.

In the wake of the artist’s death, President Jacob Zuma also extended his extends condolences to the star’s family and fans in an official statement.

Original article: South African kwaito and hip-hop recording artist, Mandoza, has died.

The news emerged Sunday afternoon from SABC reporter Sthembiso Sithole, who was at the kwaito star’s household in Soweto. An hour prior to the tweet below, Sithole tweeted that “we lost another Kwaito Star”.

Born Mduduzi Tshabalala, the 38-year-old Sowetan musician was diagnosed with cancer last year. The star was also suffering from a brain tumour. His health rapidly deteriorated in recent weeks.

Mandoza was suffering from cancer, with his condition degrading in the past month

The artist’s last public appearance was at the Thank You SABC concert in Soweto last weekend, where he had to be helped on stage by friends. He nonetheless had enough strength to thank the fans in attendance.

He was known for a number of kwaito hits, including 2000’s Nkalakatha, a track that earned him a Song of the Year award at the 2001 SAMAs. The track has also gone Platinum ten times, selling over 10-million copies.

In the wake of the news, Twitter users flooded the social network with their respects and memories dedicated to the kwaito legend. Sunday afternoon in South Africa, the hashtags #Mandoza and #ripmandoza were positively trending. #Nkalakatha also joined the list of trending hashtags late Sunday.

South African musicians, celebrities and public figures were among the first to pay their respects.

Soon after the Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula’s tweet, the South African government also sent its “deepest condolences” to those affected.

The City of Tshwane reiterated the SA government’s sentiment.

Some also felt that Mandoza’s passing deserves a public day of reverence.

Others simply remembered the musician for influencing their youth, and putting the genre of kwaito on the proverbial map.

Mandoza’s family has yet to release an official statement.

Developing…

Feature image: SABC News via YouTube

Andy Walker, former editor
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