MANDOZA REMEMBERED
SONG, DANCE TO BID MUSO GOODBYE
THE Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg resembled a 1990s kwaito bash as the sounds that made Mandoza and his ilk boomed through the place.
Kwaito legend Mandoza died on Sunday and was remembered in a music-filled memorial that attracted government dignitaries such as Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Gauteng MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation Faith Mazibuko and Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba.
The jovial ceremony was compered by kwaito star and preacher Kabelo Mabalane, who also led the singing of the national anthem.
Speaker after speaker lauded Mandoza for his talents and making something out of his life. His biggest hits, Uzoyithola Kanjani and Nkalakatha, provided music interludes between the speeches.
Mourners, who sat in the stands of the arena, often broke into song and danced. Mandoza’s producer Gabi le Roux shared how
Nkalakatha was composed at his studio in Cape Town all those years back. The song went on to make Mandoza a household name, earning him awards and a strong crossover appeal across races.
Mandoza’s wife Mpho, seated next to Mthethwa, was gracious with an occasional smile as speakers reminisced on the life she shared with her husband. TKZee member Tokollo Tshabalala made a surprise appearance and talked about their life as musicians on the road and the antics they got up to.
Mandoza’s collaborator Danny K also took to the stage in tribute.
When kwaito star Brickz was called on stage, he praised Mpho for her courage and named her “mother of kwaito”.
He later called fellow artists on stage, including Trompies’s Eugene Mthethwa, as he performed his hit
Tjovitjo, much to the delight of the crowd. Mthethwa, who delivered the keynote speech, described Mandoza as a young lion.
Mandoza will be buried tomorrow at Westpark Cemetery after a service at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, starting at 8am.