South African kwaito icon Mapaputsi, born Sandile Ngwenya, has passed away at the age of 43. The beloved musician died on Thursday night at his family home in Zola, Soweto, after battling a long illness that had confined him to bed for several months.
Mapaputsi, best known for his hit tracks Izinja and Woza Friday, leaves behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of the kwaito music genre in South Africa. His death was confirmed by his tearful wife, Dieketseng Ayolla Ngwenya, and later by a family statement. “The family of the South African kwaito legend Sandile Ngwenya, popularly known as Mapaputsi, are saddened to confirm his passing," the statement read. "He met his untimely death in the late hours of Thursday, 05 September 2024, after a short illness."
Although Mapaputsi had been struggling with his health for some time, reports about the severity of his condition fluctuated in recent months. In an interview with Drum magazine, the singer opened up about his illness, which had confined him to bed since October 2023. Despite this, Mapaputsi denied rumors in August 2024 that his condition had worsened, stating in a WhatsApp video that he was recovering and living well in Durban.
The news of his passing has left fans and fellow artists in mourning, with many paying tribute to the influential star who helped shape kwaito music. His raw, energetic style and relatable lyrics made him a household name in South Africa’s music scene, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans from all generations.
Mapaputsi's impact on kwaito and South African music cannot be understated, as he was a key figure during the genre's peak in the early 2000s. His hit songs like Izinja captured the essence of the township lifestyle and resonated deeply with many listeners.
As the nation mourns the loss of a cultural icon, Mapaputsi's music and legacy will continue to inspire new generations of artists. He is survived by his wife and two children, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
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