RIP Mandoza – 5 defining moments of the late great Kwaito star
On Sunday, and indeed today the nation of South Africa mourns the passing of one of our most loved sons of music, Kwaito star Mandoza.
AT only 38 years of age Mandoza’s brave battle with brain cancer was lost as he was rushed to hospital and succumbed to the illness.
Sadly just a few months ago, back in April of this year it was reported that he had been given a clean bill of health after a lengthy battle with the disease.
Defining moments in the life of Mandoza
- At 16 Mandoza went to jail for 1 and a ½ year’s for stealing a car. The time spent in Diepkloof Prison sparked him to form the group Chiskop with three friends from his childhood.
- Arthur Mafokate. Kwaito musician and superstar Arthur was credited for ‘discovering’ Mandoza, or at least putting him on the map.
- Nominated for a SAMA in 2000. His debut solo release in 1999, 9II5 Zola South was a bestseller and he was nominated for Best Newcomer.
- Although Mandoza released nine albums in total and had success with all of them, his defining moment will without doubt be remembered as Nkalakatha released in 2000. The album was a multi-platinum best seller that turned the Kwaito king into a household name. Nkalakatha incidentally means Top Dog and Mandoza was without a doubt the top dog in Kwaito.
- His last goodbye. He bravely appeared at the SABC Thank You Concert and despite his obvious ailing health, he still took to the stage to greet the crowd. Sadly the concert was not that well attended but those who were there got to see the Kwaito star onstage, in public for one last time.
The fact that he was prepared to get up onstage and greet people at the SACB concert and how his support for local music is indicative of the man he was and the legend will be sorely missed.
Mandoza leaves behind his wife, Mpho, and three sons, Tokollo, Thapelo and Tumelo.