Mzansi has been robbed off yet another bright star.
The nation is mourning the sudden death of Linda “Pro” Mkhize (37), who reportedly died on Wednesday evening.
The Uthini Ngo Pro hitmaker from Klipspruit, Soweto, suffered severe seizures while visiting a friend in the Joburg CBD.
A source who witnessed the incident claimed Pro had his first seizure when he was at the entrance of a building in Plein Street.
“I’m still traumatised! He had severe seizures by the entrance and at that moment, it was clear that it’s a matter of life and death.
“He was taken upstairs to the flat while waiting for an ambulance.
“Paramedics attended to him for a long time in the flat. He eventually gave in and died on their way down to the ambulance.”
His family issued a statement confirming the rapper’s death.
“Legendary hip hop artist, also affectionately known as ProKid, passed away on 8 August. He suffered severe seizures while visiting friends and paramedics were called to assist. They did their best to revive him, to no avail,” read the statement.
His colleagues in the music industry expressed shock and sadness at the news of his passing on social media.
DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota wrote: “Lala ngoxolo, Soweto’s finest. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of our industry peer and SA hip hop pioneer, Linda “ProKid” Mkhize.”
@Akaworldwide wrote: “The worst part is that I feel like we could have done more, made more music, reached out more. It’s like we didn’t show up for him after everything he did for the game, even for me in particular. Now he’s gone man.”
@SlikourOnLife wrote: “Dankie, San. You made ghetto metaphors and punchlines seem effortless. You birthed a whole generation of spitters that were inspired by your style. A rap pioneer, word engineer top five dead or alive. #RIPProkid. Condolences to your family.”
@ZakweSA, who recently featured Pro on the remix of his hit song Sebentin, wrote: “RIP soja lasempini. RIP bhuda yami. Anginawo amazwi njengamanje. I’m so heartbroken.
“Condolences to the family. He leaves behind his parents Fikile Mkhize and Zwelakhe Kheswa, his wife Ayanda, daughter Nonkanyezi and brothers.