Mandoza dies: South Africa remembers kwaito legend

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.

President Zuma extends condolences on #Mandoza‘s passing. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/5Hj8Srj0Bv

— Scapegoat (@AndiMakinana) September 18, 2016

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”.

BREAKING NEWS: Legendary Kwaito musician #Mandoza has passed away.

— Sthembiso Sithole (@SITHOLEEXPRESS) September 18, 2016

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.

Devastated! Sad sad day for all South Africans. My friend and music legend is gone. My deepest condolences to Mpho and the family #Mandoza 😢

— #LIT (@dannykmusic) September 18, 2016

Damn man!!! Mandoza left us??? Argh no man!!! This life thing is sooo short. #RIP to the legend!!!

— FillUpOrlandoStadium (@CassperNyovest) September 18, 2016

Eish RIP Mandoza

— Dj Dimplez (@DjDimplez) September 18, 2016

Nooooooooo #Mandoza nooooooooo @MandozaOriginal life is just too unfair 💔💔 #RIPMandoza pic.twitter.com/hzjUN6Z3E6

— IG:- Anele Mda (@AneleMda) September 18, 2016

RIP to Mandoza – a life cut short but well lived.

— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) September 18, 2016

RIP Mandoza

— Loyiso Gola (@loyisogola) September 18, 2016

Very sad. RIP RT @SITHOLEEXPRESS: BREAKING NEWS: Legendary Kwaito musician #Mandoza has passed away.

— Sasha Martinengo (@F1sasha) September 18, 2016

Really saddened to hear the news. Thank you for uplifting me and millions of others with your music. #RIPMandoza #Nkalakatha

— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) September 18, 2016

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

We would like to extend our deepest condolences for the passing on of Kwaito star Mandoza. Rest in peace Nkalakatha pic.twitter.com/0JHwOCUjZZ

— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) September 18, 2016

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

#RIPMandoza So sad the news! The city is in mourning with all other SAns. Our deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace Nkalakatha

— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) September 18, 2016

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

If Mandoza leaves us, there must be a National Week of Mourning, @PresidencyZA.
It’s in the Constitution
Mandela would’ve wanted it that way

— Sinenhlanhla (@MyLifeAsSne) September 18, 2016

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

On a cold and rainy Sunday, #Nkalankatha leaves the stage. #Mandoza

— Nikiwe Bikitsha (@NBikitsha) September 18, 2016

RIP mandoza maan his songs raised some of us 😞

— Mitchel (@Muntxu) September 18, 2016

Guys, don’t let another South African legend pass on before you tell them how much you appreciate them. Rest in peace Bhut’ Mandoza

— MarazA (@Marazamc) September 18, 2016

RIP Mandoza our South African star. Condolences to your family.

— #1652isback (@BubuLango) September 18, 2016

So sad, thank you for the music. Mandoza RIP https://t.co/FK8QYRC6Dr

— Alayne Mitchell (@Alaynesa) September 18, 2016

Mandoza RIP . thanks for the hits back then

— UNEMPLOYED (@skinnybrizzo) September 18, 2016

RIP Mandoza💔 my uncle would make us jam to his songs growing up and made me know them too.

— SuchAbabe_xx (@MarteeMar_Latha) September 18, 2016

Over 16yrs Nkalakatha travelled from townships to the mainstream before becoming the anthem for drunk abelungu on conference. RIP #Mandoza

— Ambulance Rockstar (@amborockstar) September 18, 2016

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

Developing…

Feature image: SABC News via YouTube