Mandoza, Kwaito singer who vowed to ‘die on stage’, is no more

Mduduzi Tshabalala, South African Kwaito singer, popularly known as Mandoza, has died at the age of 38.

The ‘Nkalakatha’ was last week reported to have been suffering from a renewed cancer scare after doctors discovered a tumour in his brain.

Kevin Ntaopane, Mandoza’s manager, confirmed his passing on Sunday during an interview on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

“He was sick and was under doctor’s orders but he said – ‘I’m going to perform and prove to the people that I’m not dead. I’ll die on the stage‚ I’ll die singing‚ I was born to do this. And no sickness is going to stop Mandoza’ – as he died in my arms this morning‚” Kevin said.

Tokollo, Mandoza’s son who also appeared on SABC, said his father told him to be strong in the event of his passing.

“I think I’m just happy that my dad died a proud man because he had everything he wanted in life. Every time he’d tell me that he never got a chance to spend time with his dad‚ so all he ever wanted was to raise his children‚” Tokollo said.

Jacob Zuma, South African president, has released a statement over the death of a man who was a pioneer of the Kwaito music genre.

“South Africa has lost one of its pioneers whose music appealed to a cross section of our people, young and old and was known to have achieved the unique crossover culturally to be enjoyed by both black and white South Africans.

“It is a great loss to the nation and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Mpho, his family and hordes of fans. Mandoza will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace,” said Zuma.