Kwaito Legend Mapaputsi Passes Away
The South African music industry is mourning the loss of Kwaito legend Sandile Ngwenya, better known by his stage name Mapaputsi, who passed away recently.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Mr. Matome Chiloane, expressed his condolences in a heartfelt statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of musician Mapaputsi. His influence on the sound of kwaito was unique. With his natural ability and swag, he took kwaito to a new level of appreciation by many fans of the genre, infusing pantsula, pop, and hip-hop into one,” said Chiloane.
According to reports, the legend passed away following an illness. He was 45 years old.
Mapaputsi was a pioneer in the kwaito genre, making his mark in the early 2000s with hits like Izinja and Kleva.
Known for his energetic performances and charismatic stage presence, he brought a distinctive style to kwaito, merging traditional South African music with contemporary sounds. His music resonated with a generation of fans who saw him as a voice of the streets.
Chiloane added, “Mapaputsi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians, and his name will remain etched in the files of our music catalogue. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Fans and fellow musicians have also taken to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to the artist. Mapaputsi’s influence can still be heard in the modern South African music scene, where artists continue to blend genres in ways he helped pioneer.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie has joined South Africans in mourning the loss of kwaito music pioneer.
“We recognise the important contribution of this creative pathbreaker who was taken away from us too soon. Mapaputsi put kwaito on the map together with other legends like Zola 7, TKZee, Chiskop and many others,” the Minister said in a statement on Saturday, September 7.
Mapaputsi’s death is a significant loss for the kwaito genre, which was born out of the townships of South Africa in the 1990s.
Kwaito emerged as a form of expression for young, urban South Africans and has since become a symbol of cultural pride. Mapaputsi was among the artists who elevated the genre to national and international recognition.
The MEC extended his thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and fans of the late star.
