Pretoria - Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has expressed shock at the news of the passing of yet another public icon, Senyaka Kekana.
“His death is a huge loss for the industry as he proved himself to be an example of a gifted and creative musical artist who exemplified the triumph of the human spirit. Most importantly, Senyaka was blazing a new trail in the development, growth and production of locally made movies that target local communities,” said Minister Mthethwa on Thursday.
Kekana, 58, died in hospital in Vereeniging on Wednesday after being in a coma.
He was one of the musicians who popularised kwaito music.
He was known for hit songs such as Chisa Mpama, Romeo Wang Kolota, and Fong Kong and his character in films such as Moruti wa Tsotsi in the late 1980s.
Minister Mthethwa believed that his legacy will live through his artistic work that is now part of the heritage of this country.
Meanwhile, the Acting MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Nandi Mayathula-Khoza has also sent out condolences to the family.
Mayathula-Khoza described Senyaka as a versatile individual, a rapper, singer, actor, film producer among others.
“One would not be far from accurate to regard him as the pioneer of rap music in the country. When rap music was regarded as an international genre of music Senyaka brought into our living rooms with his hit Saturday-Sunday.
“He also took the local film industry to another level with his films including Moruti wa Tsotsi which saw the influx of many such films in the country,” said Mayathula-Khoza. - SAnews.gov.za
