It was a miserable Sunday in September when kwaito star Mandoza passed away.
The star had been struggling with his health for weeks before‚ with his family revealing that he had been suffering from a renewed cancer scare after doctors discovered a tumour in his brain.
His condition led to reports that he was fighting for his life and‚ a few days later‚ the family confirmed that he was in a serious yet stable condition. Despite his ailing condition‚ Mandoza made an appearance at the controversial Thank You SABC concert.
But all too quickly‚ the star was snatched from us.
News of his death sent shockwaves across the country. A national musical icon had died.
Tributes played constantly over radio and TV as friends‚ family and neighbours gathered to pay their respects at his house in Soweto.
The days that followed moved in a quick blur as the nation prepared to honour its hero with a public memorial service and then a funeral.
“I am not alone‚ I have the whole nation to help me raise these kids“
The church halls were packed for both occasions‚ and tears flowed easily as family and friends spoke fondly of the star.
At the funeral‚ Mandoza’s wife Mpho shared fond memories of how they got through difficulties in their family.
She told mourners that she knew she’s would not be alone and by the grace of God she would raise their children.
“I am not alone‚ I have the whole nation to help me raise these kids‚” she said.
Mandoza was buried in Westpark cemetery‚ Melville‚ next to several other South African icons‚ including racing car driver Gugu Zulu‚ rapper Flabba‚ Simba Mhere‚ Baby Jake‚ John “Shoes” Moshoeu and Eddie Zondi.
“His death brought us together“
Speaking to TshisaLIVE several weeks after the funeral‚ Mandoza’s close friend Doc Shebeleza recounted how Mandoza was “like a brother to him” and how the star had reunited the industry in death.
“Mandoza left a lasting memory for many of us and his death brought us (music veterans) together again. Sure‚ we were friends before‚ but many of us hadn’t spoken in months. And‚ suddenly‚ me and the likes of Arthur (Mafokate)‚ Mdu (Masilela)‚ Oskido‚ TK and DJ Sbu were just chilling. It was amazing. We are now having lunch together and reflecting on the past and future of the industry‚” he said.
He will be missed but he will never be forgotten.
He gave himself to the people: Remembering Mandoza
It was a miserable Sunday in September when kwaito star Mandoza passed away.
The star had been struggling with his health for weeks before‚ with his family revealing that he had been suffering from a renewed cancer scare after doctors discovered a tumour in his brain.
His condition led to reports that he was fighting for his life and‚ a few days later‚ the family confirmed that he was in a serious yet stable condition. Despite his ailing condition‚ Mandoza made an appearance at the controversial Thank You SABC concert.
But all too quickly‚ the star was snatched from us.
News of his death sent shockwaves across the country. A national musical icon had died.
Tributes played constantly over radio and TV as friends‚ family and neighbours gathered to pay their respects at his house in Soweto.
The days that followed moved in a quick blur as the nation prepared to honour its hero with a public memorial service and then a funeral.
“I am not alone‚ I have the whole nation to help me raise these kids“
The church halls were packed for both occasions‚ and tears flowed easily as family and friends spoke fondly of the star.
At the funeral‚ Mandoza’s wife Mpho shared fond memories of how they got through difficulties in their family.
She told mourners that she knew she’s would not be alone and by the grace of God she would raise their children.
“I am not alone‚ I have the whole nation to help me raise these kids‚” she said.
Mandoza was buried in Westpark cemetery‚ Melville‚ next to several other South African icons‚ including racing car driver Gugu Zulu‚ rapper Flabba‚ Simba Mhere‚ Baby Jake‚ John “Shoes” Moshoeu and Eddie Zondi.
“His death brought us together“
Speaking to TshisaLIVE several weeks after the funeral‚ Mandoza’s close friend Doc Shebeleza recounted how Mandoza was “like a brother to him” and how the star had reunited the industry in death.
“Mandoza left a lasting memory for many of us and his death brought us (music veterans) together again. Sure‚ we were friends before‚ but many of us hadn’t spoken in months. And‚ suddenly‚ me and the likes of Arthur (Mafokate)‚ Mdu (Masilela)‚ Oskido‚ TK and DJ Sbu were just chilling. It was amazing. We are now having lunch together and reflecting on the past and future of the industry‚” he said.
He will be missed but he will never be forgotten.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos