Kwaito legends share fond memories about the late Mapaputsi
Legendary kwaito musician Mapaputsi has died.
Oupa Bopape / Gallo images
NEWS
It was a sombre day for the music industry in Mzansi as kwaito legend Sandile Ngwenya, popularly known as Mapaputsi, died at the age of 45 on Thursday after a short illness.
Legendary kwaito musician Oscar "Oskido" Mdlongwa said the death of Mapaputsi had robbed the South African music industry of a legend who contributed a lot to the kwaito movement.
Oskido said it was sad to lose a musician like Mapaputsi who was instrumental in making the South African music genre grow.
"I always say the guys paved the way for amapiano. I always say amapiano is kwaito’s first born. It’s a sad day, but we don’t have any control over the things that happen in this universe, only God makes that decision. We just want to say condolences to his family and the fans,” he said.
We can say whatever we want, but once God decides to say it’s your time, then it’s your time. Remember that we are all visitors to this world. We wish for the family to be strong. It is a setback, especially because he was young and had so much to give. We don’t have the answers, but the Almighty knows.
Oskido
Mapaputsi's family confirmed his passing through a statement.
"While the family appreciates the immense outpouring support, love and condolences, the family would like to request some space and privacy in processing the news and making plans for his burial. All details for the funeral and memorial services with be communicated in due time. We plead to please continue to put the Ngwenya family in your prayers in these most difficult times," read the statement.
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MORE TRIBUTES
Speaking to City Press, Zwai Bala said he and the late Mapaputsi were close, and their relationship grew stronger in the past two years.
Bala said he would visit Don't Tatazel in Zola, Soweto, which was most kwaito stars' chilling spot, adding that they would tour together back in 1997 and 1998 with other kwaito stars.
"We pushed a lot and went to even the remotest areas of the country. We spent a lot of time on the road together. He had a vibrant personality, and he was very creative. I have seen him through different stages in life," Bala said.
Bala recalled a day he described as a great experience when they were chilling - Mapaputsi and Pitch Black Afro (Thulani Ngcobo) freestyled in vernacular.
This is very shocking. I don’t do well with people’s deaths, and it takes me a while to process. Mapaputsi and I talked about a lot of things, but things happen. The guys that have been there [in the music industry] since the 1990s, we kind of created our own communities and friendships. We have watched each other grow, have children, get married and everything else in between.
He conveyed his condolences to the Ngwenya family, adding that he and a few other musicians were working on helping the best way they could.
Former Malaika member, Tshedi Mholo, recalled that she had a Y-Mag cover shoot in 2004 with the artist from Zola and Kabelo Mabalane. She said she was still new in the music industry, and the Izinja hitmaker made her feel comfortable.
Like Bala, Mholo recalled that Mapaputsi was creative, and jolly and he liked freestyling. She said during the shoot, he would rap in isiZulu with his husky voice.
"I don’t even know what to say. I knew that it was reported that he was not okay, but this is shocking. The rate at which artists are dying is a lot.
"One thing I can say is that condolences to the family and associates. It's said that we keep on losing legendary people that we expect a lot from. These are people who made a huge mark in the music industry," she said.
The former Malaika member said she liked hanging out with male artists because there was more unity there compared to female musicians, and Mapaputsi was one of the people she would hang out with.
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Mapaputsi had hits like Izinja, Woza Friday, Nangu UMapaputsi, Sgubhu Galore and Amasotsha and his albums included Kleva, Still Barking and Last Man Standing, released in the 2000s.
