Sad songs play as rapper ProKid’s life is stilled
TRIBUTES continue to pour in for the number one Soweto boy, Linda “ProKid” Mkhize.
The news of his death shocked the hip hop fraternity and his fans, who said they had been waiting for him to release some of his new music.
His death was confirmed by his family, who released a media statement during the early hours of Women’s Day to say that the Soweto hit maker had died after suffering from a severe seizure.
Mkhize was visiting friends on Wednesday night when it happened. Paramedics responded to a call, but could not revive him.
Mkhize, 37, is survived by his mother, Fikile Mkhize, and father, Zwelakhe Kheswa.
He also leaves his wife, Ayanda, and young daughter, Nonkanyezi.
Many fans expressed their shock at his death. Others shared their favourite moments with the humble rapper, who was known for his “killer hip hop rhymes”.
“As we mourn the passing of this distinguished son of the soil, we must consider our country fortunate to have produced and witnessed this extraordinary youthful talent, which contributed immensely to the development of the hip hop genre,” the ANC said.
DJ Fresh dedicated parts of his morning show on Metro FM, playing some of ProKid’s hits
he rapper was described as a humble soul who was a leader in the game of hip hop.
Mkhize released six albums, with his Heads and Tales album still being recognised as one of the biggest in kasi hip hop.
Mkhize also co-presented SABC1’s Jika Majika with Thembi Seete.
He also started his own brand under his popular tagline “Dankie San”.
Mkhize worked under several labels including TS Records, Gallo, and Universal Music.
He was last signed to Mabala Noise, and spoke of releasing new singles.
Mkhize is behind hits like Ungaphel’ Umoya San, Wozobona, Uthini Ngo Pro, Bhampa and Sekele, among others.
Sipho Sithole, who gave Mkhize his break at Gallo Music, yesterday described ProKid as an “authentic rapper”.
“He was the most authentic to come out of the townships…
“He made hip hop popular in the township.
“He made it authentic and real kasi,” Sithole said.
“He refused to follow the trend of twanging in the Amer- ican tradition of rap,” he added.
Sithole pointed out that ProKid had told the real stories of eKasi.
“One could not imagine that he would just perish just like that… in the most tragic manner,” Sithole said.
“His kind of music was about hope and aspiration,” he said, adding that his brand of hip hop was about the flight of youth from poverty while seeking a better life.
“It’s always about the youth saying they want to move to a better world.
“And people tend to dance to the beat, rather really than listen to the actual music,” he added.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa sent his condolences to the lyrical genius’s family.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a lyrical genius, pioneering hip hop artist Linda Mkhize,” the minister said yesterday.
“ProKid took rapping in African languages to great heights. And he will go down as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop artists of his generation.”
Proverb, who had one of the best battles with ProKid, wished Mkhize a safe passage to heaven.
“You were indeed a pioneer, a legend and one incredible emcee.
“For the record, I never considered you a ProKid, but rather a ProKing!”
Rapper Maggs said the news was “heartbreaking”.
“A dark day… lost a brother, a friend and a kindred spirit today. RIP Prokid.”
Cassper Nyovest also sent his condolences to the rapper’s family members.
“Rest in peace to the greatest to ever do it…”