SA Mourns the Loss of a Kwaito Legend Mandoza
On the 18th September 2016, the music industry was taken aback by the sudden passing of Mduduzi Edmond Tshabalala, fondly known as Mandoza. A very dark cloud of loss fell upon every corner of the South African nation, and outside its borders as the kwaito star succumbed to the cancer that tried to plague his existence. An artist of note, a man whose music cut through the racial divide and had all races dancing to the hit song Nkalakatha, he truly was a legend in his own right.
A proud member of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA)- as he recently registered his record company Nkalakatha Records, Mandoza has influenced the world of music in the Kwaito genre in a positive way and has made an everlasting impact in the existence of Kwaito music. His hoarse voice added flavour in his delivery of music, that no other artist possessed. In his musical journey as an artist, his efforts did not go unnoticed but earned him different accolades through the Annual South African Music Awards (of which RiSA are the custodian). In 2001 his much loved album Nkalakatha won him two awards in the categories Best Kwaito Music Album and Song of the year. Mandoza was fired up and in 2002 his album Godoba won him both the Song of the year and Video of the year awards. As if that was not enough, in 2005 his album Indoda saw him take home the Best Music Video Award. In the same year, him and Danny K won the Best Pop Album award for the album Same Difference.
It is indeed with a heavy heart that the music industry has lost such a star. His music will continue to live in the hearts of all South Africans and across the borders. His musical talent is sure to inspire the up and coming artists in the Kwaito genre. He indeed was a force to be reckoned with, and his recent appearance at the Orlando Stadium for the SABC Thank You Concert on the 10th September 2016 proved how much inlove he was with his craft.
In his own words, Mandoza said that he was Nkalakatha because God made him to be Nkalakatha.
The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) would like to send its message of condolences to his Family and the entire music industry on his passing. We thank Mandoza for his contribution to the art of music and may the angels lead him to Paradise.
By Advocate Nhlanhla Paul Sibisi
RiSA CEO.
