Kwaito luminary Mandoza dead at 38

Mandoza (C) performed recently during the SABC concert at the Orlando Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Johannesburg. His family confirmed last week he was being treated at home for a brain tumour. Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Mabuti Kali

JOHANNESBURG – Kwaito singer Mduduzi Tshabalala, also known as Mandoza, has died at the age of 38.

READ: Mandoza not critical, set to perform on Saturday: Wife

The star produced multi-platinum hits like Nkalakatha, Godoba and Sgelekeqe, and collaborated with Danny K on Same Difference.

Mandoza started his career with Chiskop, a kwaito group formed with three of his childhood friends.

He participated in the kwaito documentary SHARP! SHARP! – the kwaito story, directed by Aryan Kaganof and the 2006 rugby drama, Number 10.

Last week his family confirmed he was being treated at home for a brain tumour.

Mandoza's producer, Gabi le Roux posted the following message on Facebook on September 6: “Mpho and the Tshabalala family has asked all his friends and fans to pray for him, beckon the ancestors and keep him in your thoughts during this time."

Devastated! Sad sad day for all South Africans. My friend and music legend is gone. My deepest condolences to Mpho and the family #Mandoza --
— #LIT (@dannykmusic) September 18, 2016

May his soul RIP. I remember I bought Mandoza's first album (925 Zola South) with school fees money. pic.twitter.com/x9r8iSESVQ
— Tsepiso Nzayo (@TsepisoNzayo) September 18, 2016

Damn man!!! Mandoza left us??? Argh no man!!! This life thing is sooo short. #RIP to the legend!!!
— FillUpOrlandoStadium (@CassperNyovest) September 18, 2016