FOUNDER and lead singer of the famous mbaqanga music group Mahotella Queens, Rupert Bopape, has died.
Bopape, 89, passed away on Friday morning at his home in Mogapeng village outside Tzaneen. Bopape became blind last year as a result of complications from diabetes.
He started recording music with Troubador Recording in the early 1950s. He then joined EMI and founded the Dark City Sisters with Francis Mngomezulu and Joyce Mokgathusi. He also founded a number of other musical groups including the Killing Stones Stars and Mashalashala Queens.
As a talent scout in the 1960s, Bopape discovered Zakes Nkosi and Elijah Nkwanyana. He was also involved with the famous King's Messengers Quartet and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Bopape retired to his home village in the 1980s and established several businesses. His daughter Margaret Bopape-Mabena said: "We are saddened by the passing of our father. He leaves a legacy that no one in the family will ever match. May his soul rest in peace."
Bopape will be buried in Mogapeng-Sunkwane village on Saturday.
- frankm@sowetan.co.za
Music great Rupert Bopape dies
FOUNDER and lead singer of the famous mbaqanga music group Mahotella Queens, Rupert Bopape, has died.
Bopape, 89, passed away on Friday morning at his home in Mogapeng village outside Tzaneen. Bopape became blind last year as a result of complications from diabetes.
He started recording music with Troubador Recording in the early 1950s. He then joined EMI and founded the Dark City Sisters with Francis Mngomezulu and Joyce Mokgathusi. He also founded a number of other musical groups including the Killing Stones Stars and Mashalashala Queens.
As a talent scout in the 1960s, Bopape discovered Zakes Nkosi and Elijah Nkwanyana. He was also involved with the famous King's Messengers Quartet and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Bopape retired to his home village in the 1980s and established several businesses. His daughter Margaret Bopape-Mabena said: "We are saddened by the passing of our father. He leaves a legacy that no one in the family will ever match. May his soul rest in peace."
Bopape will be buried in Mogapeng-Sunkwane village on Saturday.
- frankm@sowetan.co.za
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