Africa mourns. The music industry mourns. The Kwaito community is shattered. Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala popularly known as Mandoza has abruptly passed away. The kwaito star who died at the age of 38 after a long battle with Cancer, passed away on Sunday the 18th of September 2016. He reportedly died on his way to the hospital in the arms of his close friend and manager Kevin Ntaopane.
Source: Gallo Images
Discovered by Arthur Mafokate, Mandoza started his music career with a group called Chiskop but later broke away and embarked on an illustrious solo career in 1999. He promptly released his first solo album 9115 Zola South for which he received a 2000 FNB SA Music Awards Best Newcomer nomination. In2001 he dropped a banger album which has proved to be one of is best, that is Nkalakatha. This album went multi-platinum ensuring that Mandoza cemented is name amongst Kwaito royalty. This album garnered 2 awards at the South African Music Awards, a whopping 5 at the Metro Music Awards and to top that he won the Best Artist – Southern Africa category at the Kora All Africa Music Awards.
Voted 77th in the Top Great South Africans in 2004. His music was infectious and his signature husky voice brought change to the game. Mandoza’s musical influence will not be easily forgotten. He made a total of 12 albums in his career and worked with a lot of different artistes from Danny K to Zimbabwe’s own Dj Stavo. Lots of tributes have poured in from family, friends, fans and even the South African President Jacob Zuma.
Here at Enthuse we say Rest In Peace Nkalakatha!
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary #Mandoza. He was a True Legend and Really Inspired Me. Your Music will play on forever. My Deepest Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
#RIPMandoza” -DJ Stavo
”Oh wow. I’m so saddened by the passing of Mandoza. #RIPMandoza” -Pearl Thusi
“Another music legend gone far too soon… Our thoughts are with all his loved ones. Rest In Peace #RIPMandoza” -MiCasa
“Sad news… We Thank You for the inspiration and for uniting a nation with your music. Rest In Peace. #RIPMandoza” -Maps Maponyane
“The man may die, but the music will keep his spirit alive forever. We can only be grateful and thankful his soul has found peace. A legend and the soundtrack to a great part of my youth. I wanna say thank you and rest in power King. You did your part.” – Tehn Diamond
“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 s a great loss to the nation and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Mpho, is family and hordes of fans. Mandoza will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.” -South African President Jacob Zuma
