In a divisive society such as ours, it is rare to find a unifier. Sports has been used by government to address issues of social cohesion, but music isn't used as much as I think it should be. While several musicians have managed to bridge the racial, social and age divide to create a shared love, Mandoza is our music legend of the first part of the 21st century.
The Soweto-born kwaito star whose real name is Mduduzi Tshabalala is mourned by the country at large. He used his music to encourage young South Africans to be better and stay off the streets. His brave battle with brain cancer is well documented.
Although some gossip mongers tried to spread rumours of his diminished immune system, it has been heart-warming for me to see how many more others focused on wishing him well, hoping he would recover.
Mandoza did not die a broke man‚ says family
The talented artist was considered by many as a cult figure and hero. His album, Nkalakatha, which received multi-platinum status, was both locally and internationally recognised and enjoyed by both young and old across all races. This song was heard in townships, suburbs, taxi ranks, national sports fixtures, clubs and taverns. A first of its kind by a black youngster in our time.
Mandoza used the obstacles he faced as stepping-stones to becoming the record hitmaker he was.
Raised by a single parent, he experienced certain struggles in his life. As a recovered drug addict and ex-prisoner who had served time, he got up and and dusted himself. He continued to bring South Africans world-class music and served as a role model for many.
Though he had disappeared from the music scene for some time until recently, his music was still widely played and celebrated.
Only last weekend at the "SABC Thank You Concert", a weak and fragile Mandoza was on stage performing live on TV in front of a large audience for the very last time. He was propped up by fellow musicians who cared for him dearly.
In 2015 his nightmare began with his cancer diagnosis. It was reportedly detected at the early stages and he was able to go for treatment immediately.
He reacted well to the medical care, but unfortunately it spread to his eyes, rendering him partially blind. Shortly before his death, the resilient artist went back to the studio to do what he loved most, which was to bring meaningful music to the people.
Mandoza spoke out about his illness and he bravely fought until his dying day. The support he received from South Africans was a clear indicator of the love that people had for him. On the day of his death on Sunday, social media was abuzz with messages of condolences to the Tshabalala family. The ANC in Gauteng sent out messages of condolence to the family, while the national body of the ANC described Mandoza's passing as an end of an era in the kwaito genre.
Other political figures also mourned his passing, another testimony of him being a unifier of society.
His fellow musician friends and family have come out to grieve him publicly and pay tribute, holding a Monday press conference to announce his funeral this coming Saturday. His brother-in-law Lebogang Mphuti spoke of the love his wife Mpho and their children had for him. He emphasised how the family's loss is the loss of our nation. Fellow musician General spoke of their days as youngsters fooling around in the township, and enjoying gymnastics. He called him a king.
Mandoza began his music career with kwaito group Chiskop. In 1999 he went solo and released his album called 9115 Zola South, which earned him the 2000 FNB South African Best Newcomer award.
His best-known song, Nkalakatha, which he released in 2001 went on to win him the 2001 South African Music Awards in both Song of the Year and Best Kwaito Music Album categories.
He used his music as a way to encourage youngsters to achieve their goals. This he did through songs such as Uzoyithola Kanjani (uhlel'ekhoneni?), which means "how will you succeed if you don't get up and go for it".
His message was to foster a sense of pride and work ethic to succeed in whatever we set our minds to.
Other songs that describe the character of the much-loved kwaito legend include Tornado, Top S'gelekeqe, Phunyuka Bamphethe, Champion and "Ingwenya". These all mean that Mandoza was on top of his game.
May Mandoza's wife Mpho, his children, the extended Tshabalala family, and South Africans at large continue to celebrate his legacy as his music continues to unite us.l Sexwale is a communication strategist and public commentator
Mandoza: music legend who bridged racial, social divide
In a divisive society such as ours, it is rare to find a unifier. Sports has been used by government to address issues of social cohesion, but music isn't used as much as I think it should be. While several musicians have managed to bridge the racial, social and age divide to create a shared love, Mandoza is our music legend of the first part of the 21st century.
The Soweto-born kwaito star whose real name is Mduduzi Tshabalala is mourned by the country at large. He used his music to encourage young South Africans to be better and stay off the streets. His brave battle with brain cancer is well documented.
Although some gossip mongers tried to spread rumours of his diminished immune system, it has been heart-warming for me to see how many more others focused on wishing him well, hoping he would recover.
Mandoza did not die a broke man‚ says family
The talented artist was considered by many as a cult figure and hero. His album, Nkalakatha, which received multi-platinum status, was both locally and internationally recognised and enjoyed by both young and old across all races. This song was heard in townships, suburbs, taxi ranks, national sports fixtures, clubs and taverns. A first of its kind by a black youngster in our time.
Mandoza used the obstacles he faced as stepping-stones to becoming the record hitmaker he was.
Raised by a single parent, he experienced certain struggles in his life. As a recovered drug addict and ex-prisoner who had served time, he got up and and dusted himself. He continued to bring South Africans world-class music and served as a role model for many.
Though he had disappeared from the music scene for some time until recently, his music was still widely played and celebrated.
Only last weekend at the "SABC Thank You Concert", a weak and fragile Mandoza was on stage performing live on TV in front of a large audience for the very last time. He was propped up by fellow musicians who cared for him dearly.
In 2015 his nightmare began with his cancer diagnosis. It was reportedly detected at the early stages and he was able to go for treatment immediately.
He reacted well to the medical care, but unfortunately it spread to his eyes, rendering him partially blind. Shortly before his death, the resilient artist went back to the studio to do what he loved most, which was to bring meaningful music to the people.
Mandoza spoke out about his illness and he bravely fought until his dying day. The support he received from South Africans was a clear indicator of the love that people had for him. On the day of his death on Sunday, social media was abuzz with messages of condolences to the Tshabalala family. The ANC in Gauteng sent out messages of condolence to the family, while the national body of the ANC described Mandoza's passing as an end of an era in the kwaito genre.
Other political figures also mourned his passing, another testimony of him being a unifier of society.
His fellow musician friends and family have come out to grieve him publicly and pay tribute, holding a Monday press conference to announce his funeral this coming Saturday. His brother-in-law Lebogang Mphuti spoke of the love his wife Mpho and their children had for him. He emphasised how the family's loss is the loss of our nation. Fellow musician General spoke of their days as youngsters fooling around in the township, and enjoying gymnastics. He called him a king.
Mandoza began his music career with kwaito group Chiskop. In 1999 he went solo and released his album called 9115 Zola South, which earned him the 2000 FNB South African Best Newcomer award.
His best-known song, Nkalakatha, which he released in 2001 went on to win him the 2001 South African Music Awards in both Song of the Year and Best Kwaito Music Album categories.
He used his music as a way to encourage youngsters to achieve their goals. This he did through songs such as Uzoyithola Kanjani (uhlel'ekhoneni?), which means "how will you succeed if you don't get up and go for it".
His message was to foster a sense of pride and work ethic to succeed in whatever we set our minds to.
Other songs that describe the character of the much-loved kwaito legend include Tornado, Top S'gelekeqe, Phunyuka Bamphethe, Champion and "Ingwenya". These all mean that Mandoza was on top of his game.
May Mandoza's wife Mpho, his children, the extended Tshabalala family, and South Africans at large continue to celebrate his legacy as his music continues to unite us.l Sexwale is a communication strategist and public commentator
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