Big send-off for Flabba - 'He loved to joke, swore a lot'

"WE have lived, loved and laughed together. I know that you will never walk through that door [again] and that makes my heart sore."

These touching words were spoken by Lesego Habedi, daughter of Nkululeko "Flabba" Habedi at his funeral service at Alexandra Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday.

Habedi was stabbed to death in his Alexandra home in the early hours of last Monday, allegedly by his girlfriend, Sindisiwe Manqele, who is expected to apply for bail in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court today.

Flabba, as he was known during his time as a member of hip-hop group Skwatta Kamp, was given a fitting send-off.

A tent was erected in the middle of the soccer pitch where family, friends, colleagues and members of the media sat. Some of the women in his family wore black with red wide brimmed hats or red ribbons around their heads.

The musician was described as a person who loved to joke and make fun of people, swore a lot and was hard-headed. He was also someone who was fiercely loyal to where he came from and loved his family.

Family friend Sbu Mfusi was perhaps the most truthful in his depiction of his friend.

"He could swear at you and in five minutes you'd be the one who would be begging him," Mfusi said.

He described a time when Habedi had asked him to pick him up for a party they were meant to attend.

"When I got there he was not dressed, and he said he was not going anymore because Sindi showed her a part of her thigh and made him choose between staying with her and going to the party with me," Mfusi said.

It was not the first time Manqele was mentioned during the service.

Vuyisile Sulupha, the Sulupha family representative, twice asked why Manqele did it and expressed sorrow that Habedi died so soon.

All the remaining Skwatta Kamp members also took to the podium, with Siyabonga "Slikour" Metane saying Habedi's death felt like everyone of the members had also died.

Lerato Moselane spoke on behalf of Mpho Habedi, Flabba's wife.

"Despite what people believe, I am truly hurt. I ask you (Flabba) to give me strength and guidance to continue raising our child."

Mpho had been in a relationship with Flabba for 15 years, although they were separated at the time of his death.

Poet Mzwakhe Mbuli said he was saddened that Habedi became a statistic of musicians who died violent deaths even though they worked in a non-violent business.

Mbuli said: "The industry has lost an irreplaceable hip-hop artist. The accolades he received as a solo artist and a member of Skwatta Kamp speak volumes. He was a champion of the grassroots."

Some of the mourners in attendance were Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa, mayor Parks Tau, comedian David Kau, singer Kabomo, rapper Amu, producer Robbie Malinga and singer Vicki Vilakazi, among others.

Habedi was laid to rest between Baby Jake Matlala and Dennis Lota and also next to Simba Mhere at West Park Cemetery.