THERE were tears of sadness and joyful memories yesterday as people flocked to celebrate the life of Mandoza at Ellis Park Stadium, Joburg.
Speaker after speaker applauded the Nkalakatha hitmaker. Mandoza’s uncle Ngisi Tshabalala said the musician had always worked to make his family happy.
“We wanted him to go to school and become a doctor but he had bigger plans with his music.”
Mandoza’s sister, Phindi Sibanyoni, said he was not only her brother, but also a friend.
“His music was an inspiration to us.”
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said Mandoza contributed to nation-building in Mzansi.
“People will remember him as a humble man,” he said.
He said Mandoza’s performance at the Thank You SABC concert was a sign of how brave he was and how much he loved music.
Sama chairman Thobela Dlamini said it was unfortunate social media platforms reported people’s deaths before they even took their last breath.
“People must consult with their conscience before putting out wrong messages.”
Former collaborator Danny K performed a song for the man he regarded as his brother.
Vusi Leeuw from Huge Entertainment said Mandoza was like a rose which grew from the concrete.
“He grew up in Zola where there was no hope for young people to succeed, but he still made it,” said Vusi.
Among the many celebrities who came to share their memories of the kwaito legend were Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mshoza, Tokollo Tshabalala, Bricks, Mahoota, Theo from Mafikizolo, Big Nuz, Mdu Masilela, Arthur Mafokate, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
Other figures who came to the ceremony included Communications Minster Faith Mthambi, Gauteng MEC for sport and recreation Faith Mazibuko and Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba.
