Birth place: Zola, Soweto
Born: 19 January 1978
Died: 18 September 2016
"How are you going to get it, if you don't get up and go for it." – The title of Chiskop song, Uzoyithola Kanjani Uhlel’ekhoneni
Mandoza was christened Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala, going on to become one of Soweto’s top S’gelekeqe artist. He was one of the founding members of the kwaito legend group Chiskop.
The group was formed with three childhood friends – S’bu, Siphiwe and Sizwe. Mandoza was discovered by kwaito pioneer, Arthur Mafokate.
Mandoza used his music to broadcast an inspirational message to young people to achieve their goals.
One such song was Uzoyithola Kanjani Uhlel’ekhoneni.
He credited much of his success to his mentor, Glenn Morris, who helped him during the years when he was hooked on drugs.
Mandoza started his solo career in 1999 with the 9II5 Zola South album. It was hugely popular, selling more than a 100 000 albums.
This led to him scooping the South African Music Awards Best Newcomer nomination in 2000. That year he also went on to release the Nkalakatha album, which achieved multi-platinum status.
The title track became a crossover hit and reached the top of the charts on black and white radio stations.
The album went on to win Best Kwaito and Song of the Year at the Samas in 2001.
That same year at the Metro Music Awards, Mandoza won the Best Kwaito Artist, Best Male Vocalist, Best Album, Best Styled Artist and Song Of The Year.
To close that year on a high, he won the Best Artist – Southern Africa category at the Kora All Africa Music Awards.
Mandoza also dabbled in film, scoring several acting roles.
Mandoza died surrounded by friends and family after a long battle with cancer.
