ProKid’s parents miss memorial as they fall ill
Politicians, musicians, family and friends pay tribute to rapper ProKid
Rapper ProKid’s parents missed their son’s memorial service yesterday after suddenly taking ill on their way to the service.
Fikile and Zwelakhe Mkhize were on their way to the service, which was held at the Newtown Music Factory, when they fell ill.
Penny Lebyane, who was master of ceremonies for the memorial, made the announcement shortly after the service started.
“I have just been informed that Mam’ Fikile and Bab’ Zwelakhe were on their way here but have just made a Uturn due to ill-health,” Lebyane said.
ProKid, whose real name is Linda Mkhize, died at his girlfriend’s flat in the Johannesburg CBD after suffering a seizure on Wednesday last week. The Sekele hitmaker was 37 years old.
ProKid’s wife Ayanda, his eight-year-old daughter and his brother Sandile, who is also a musician, attended the service surrounded by close friends and family members.
Sandile said the muso used to take him to music listening sessions where he performed in Diepkloof, Soweto, every Sunday. He described his brother as a genuine person who loved people and his township, Soweto.
“He loved you guys. Pro loved you,” Sandile said.
The Newtown precinct in the Johannesburg CBD came to a standstill as traffic moved towards the memorial service.
Young people dressed in T-shirts bearing the rapper’s face or emblazoned with Dankie San, one of his hits, filled the venue to capacity.
Politicians Julius Malema, Zizi Kodwa and Faith Mazibuko were also present.
Rappers Kwesta, AKA, Slikour, Gigi Lamayne, Maggs and Mr Selwyn also came to honour one of their own.
Kwesta said: “I am not okay. I have to pretend that I am okay but I am not okay.
“The only reason I am here and I exist is because of that guy,” he said.
ProKid will be buried at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Sunday.