Renowned Kwaito singer Mapaputsi, whose real name was Sandile Ngwenya, has passed away. His manager, Busi Kunene, confirmed the sad news to TshisaLIVE, stating that the artist died on Thursday night.
“He has passed on. We’ll issue a press statement and host a media briefing in due course,” Kunene said.
Mapaputsi was best known for his hit single “Izinja,” which catapulted him to fame in the South African music industry. The singer had been battling an illness for more than a year, and despite recent signs of improvement, his health took a turn for the worse. According to a close friend, who preferred to remain anonymous, Mapaputsi seemed to be on the road to recovery after enduring months of health challenges.
“He was showing signs of improvement, but I guess he had given up. He was in pain. He was looking forward to bookings for the festive season,” said the friend, expressing the heartbreak of those who knew him best.
Another friend, also speaking anonymously, echoed these sentiments, revealing the disbelief and sorrow felt by those close to the artist. “We are heartbroken by the news. We thought it was a hoax, but we’ve seen it’s true. uMnganami (my friend) is no more; he lost the fight of recovery.”
Just last month, Mapaputsi had publicly addressed rumors about his health. He took to his WhatsApp status to deny claims that he was bedridden, dismissing the speculation that had been circulating. In the video, Mapaputsi appeared upbeat and refuted the false reports about his condition.
“Baphi laba, baphi laba…bathi ubani osembhedeni? (Where are they, where are they…they say I’m bedridden?) Angizwanga…mina ngise Durban mos, awufuna uku’booker book see you soon (Excuse me…I’m in Durban, if you want to book, book see you soon). I’m in Durban having a good time. Baphi laba banxamba amanga ngise Durban, indaba yabo okuthi family family umuntu ulele phansi I don’t know (Where are they, they are lying about me, I’m in Durban, their news about family saying I’m bedridden I don’t know),” he said in the video, attempting to set the record straight.
Despite his illness, Mapaputsi remained hopeful about his future and was eager to return to the stage, especially during the upcoming festive season, which is a busy time for artists in South Africa. His sudden passing has left fans and loved ones devastated, and many are now reflecting on his significant impact on the Kwaito music scene.
Mapaputsi’s legacy in the music industry is marked by his unique sound and the indelible mark he left on the genre of Kwaito. His hit song “Izinja” remains a staple in South African music history, celebrating the vibrant and energetic spirit that defined his career. Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late artist, celebrating his contributions and mourning the loss of a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
As his family, friends, and fans come to terms with this loss, Mapaputsi’s music will continue to be a testament to his talent and enduring influence in the world of Kwaito. Further details about his memorial and funeral arrangements will be released in the coming days.