Robbie Malinga’s death big blow for Dr Malinga
MUSIC veteran Robbie Malinga planned to work on a new album with Dr Malinga in 2018‚ after the pair collaborated on a song just weeks before Robbie’s death.
Dr Malinga said that after years of waiting‚ he had finally managed to record a single with Robbie and they wanted to shoot a music video for the song. Sadly‚ they were not able to record the video as Robbie fell sick. He died on Christmas Day at his home in Johannesburg.
“We had planned to shoot a music video for the single Shukumisa. But whenever we planned to meet up, he fell sick or was not strong enough to make it. He called me about a month ago to tell me he was ready but then he fell ill‚” Dr Malinga said.
He said he now planned to shoot the music video without Robbie and release it as a tribute to the veteran‚ if the star’s family and record label allowed him.
Dr Malinga explained that even while they were recording the single‚ Robbie was not well and often instructed others to do tasks for him.
“You could see that he was sick. He was instructing people to press certain buttons and add different elements. He was uncomfortable‚ but looked relaxed.”
The musician said that Robbie was so impressed with the collaboration that he wanted to work with Dr Malinga on a new album.
“We had planned to do an album together‚ an afro-jazz and afro-pop album. He told me that he was glad that I was releasing music that was similar to his and wanted us to work together to show everyone that I could do afro-jazz and afro-pop.
“I am sad that we won’t be able to do that.”
Adding his tribute to thousands of others across the country‚ Dr Malinga said that Robbie proud to be an African.
“He was an incredible artist and someone I idolised. He paved the way for so many of us and he made us proud of our heritage and unique sound. We will all miss him and pray for strength for his family.”
Musician Kelly Khumalo has paid a heartfelt tribute to Robbie Malinga‚ revealing that his death had left her feeling like she was “literally drowning”.
The Asine hitmaker joined thousands of South Africans in paying tribute to Robbie on social media this week. Posting a picture of her performing made him with Robbie‚ Kelly wrote an emotional message asking how she would be able to move on with life after his death.
“A big part of me wishes that this was just a prank‚” she wrote.
Robbie and Kelly collaborated on several projects‚ including on the hit singles Baby Please and Sobabili.
Universal Music spokesman Dharam Sewraj said that the star’s death was unexpected.
“He has been sick and we’ve had to counter so many false death messages about him‚ but this time it is true. Nobody can believe it. He was well. He was better.” — DDC