Africa mourns Mandoza: Tributes pour in for South African Kwaito icon

South Africa has lost one of its musical greats, with the death of Kwaito superstar Mandoza, whose real name is Mduduzi Tshabalala.

Born in 1978, in Soweto, Mandoza passed away in hospital yesterday (Sunday 18 September) after a lengthy battle with cancer which had spread to his brain. He was 38 at the time of his death.

Mandoza was one of South Africa’s most popular stars who started his musical career with Chiskop, a kwaito group which he formed with three childhood friends. Mandoza’s singing talents were discovered by King of Kwaito, Arthur Mafokate, who helped nurture his talent.

The Kwaito maestro produced multi-platinum smash hits such as Nkalakatha, Sgelekeqe, and Godoba among others, and he won numerous accolades for his musical achievements. He was also an accomplished actor.

South African Kwaito singer Mandoza (Mduduzi Tshabalala) has passed away at the age of 38. Rest in peace LEGEND! 🎤 pic.twitter.com/iolByiE5HP

— Leandri Janse van Vuuren (@Lean3JvV) September 18, 2016

Mandoza was known for conveying inspirational messages in his music and used his talent and remarkable achievements to motivate and encourage young South Africans to dream. South Africa is indeed in mourning and President Jacob Zuma has paid tribute to the great artist.

“South Africa has lost one of its pioneers whose music appealed to a cross section of our people, young and old and was known to have achieved the unique crossover culturally to be enjoyed by both black and white South Africans. It is a great loss to the nation and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Mpho, his family and hordes of fans. Mandoza will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace,” President Zuma said.

Undoubtedly a musical luminary, Mandoza will indeed remain one of South Africa’s musical and cultural giants and through his music, he leaves an indelible mark and a great legacy, which will continue to inspire future generations. May he rest in eternal peace.

Social media is mourning the death of one of South Africa’s musical icon and tributes continue to pour in.

Morning Mzansi, we continue to celebrate the years that Mandoza spent with us. We're grateful for good music Nkalakatha #MandozaTribute

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 19, 2016

Mandoza's videos were just too real.No make up selling us beauty dreams,just kasified and lekker local inspired👊 #MandozaTribute #RIPMandoza

— 👑BUEEN👑 (@Boity_Rams) September 18, 2016

🎤 #MandozaTribute Mandoza released Nkalakatha album in 2000, selling over 10x platinum & winning multi awards #DJSbuBreakfast #RIPMandoza

— kryptodjs (@kryptodjs) September 19, 2016

RIP Mandoza…pretty sure you're a "top dog" in heaven today. You made white people do line dances for decades. Respect. #MandozaTribute

— Claire Holt (@CHoltak) September 19, 2016

With your single hit song Nkalakatha u crossed the racial divide and borders, u have run your race #MandozaTribute

— ♥Miss Charity Tasha♥ (@Njaminurombo2) September 19, 2016

Advertisement

https://twitter.com/mkhura7/status/777765878142214144

The #Mandozatribute @DStv channel 321 9pm CAT #RIPMandoza

— African (@ali_naka) September 18, 2016

Mandoza' last interview on Metro FM was on the TouchDown. Got nothing but love you! #RIPMandoza ✊🏾we will stand by your family

— Tbo Touch (@iamtbotouch) September 18, 2016

Advertisement

Mandoza could walk with Presidents and the homeless and both would revere him. He never pretended to be something he wasn't. He was real

— Danny K (@dannykmusic) September 18, 2016

Mandoza showed every township kid that they could rise out their situation and achieve the impossible. He never forgot where he came from

— Danny K (@dannykmusic) September 18, 2016

RIP MANDOZA 🙏🏾 TRUE LEGEND OF THE GAME. GOD BLESS YOUR KIDS AND FAMILY.

— MR MAKHADO (@rikyrickworld) September 18, 2016

They say after Mandela, 2nd man to unite Mzansi was #Mandoza. He introduced white people to kwaito music #RIPMandoza pic.twitter.com/mNyuINbnOB

— ChannelZim (@channelZim) September 18, 2016

The EFF sends its revolutionary condolences to the family of Mduduzi 'Nkalakatha' 'Mandoza' Tshabalala. RIP Boza! pic.twitter.com/vOslpAo5fq

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 18, 2016

Advertisement