Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has joined the nation in mourning the passing of kwaito legend Mduduzi Tshabalala, better known as Mandoza.
Mandoza, 38, passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer which had reportedly spread to his brain, leading him to lose his sight completely.
President Zuma paid tribute to him, saying South Africa has lost one of its pioneers whose music appealed to a cross section of people, young and old.
In a statement on Sunday, President Zuma said that his music has achieved the unique crossover culturally which was 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 President Zuma.
Mandoza first entered the music industry with the kwaito group Chiskop, which he formed with three childhood friends, S’bu, Siphiwe and Sizwe.
He went on to launch his solo career in 1999 with the album 9II5 Zola South. However the height of his career was achieved with well-known hit, Nkalakatha which was released in 2000 - which most say broke cultural barriers.
He last performed live at the South African Broadcasting Cooperation’s (SABC) Thank You Concert at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, last weekend. - SAnews.gov.za
