Politicians add their trubutes, with NFP slamming “lazy tendency of honouring heroes and heroines (only) when they have passed on”.
|||KWAITO legend Mandoza was a hero to working class people and his music bridged racial divides.
This was according to trade union Cosatu who joined scores of Mandoza's fans and friends to mourn his passing.
Mandoza, real name Mduduzi Tshabalala, succumbed to cancer on Sunday.
“Mandoza was not just a music legend and a hero to many working class people and black people but his music transcended the racial barriers and he had a substantial following across the country,” national Cosatu spokesman Sizwe Pamla said in a statement.
He added that the Nkalakatha hitmaker inspired many disadvantaged people with his music which he would always be remembered for.
“He inspired many people from the township to liberate themselves from poverty with his lyrics.”
“This music and cultural icon will be sorely missed and greatly remembered for his dedication and the passion he had for his craft.”
While offering their condolences to his loved ones, the union said that although Mandoza will be missed in the music industry, his legacy will live on.
“We hope that a new generation of musicians will keep his legacy alive and carry the baton going forward,” said Pamla.
President Jacob Zuma also extended his condolences and said Mandoza's death was a loss to the nation.
“"South Africa has lost one of its pioneers whose music appealed to a cross section of our people, young and old and was known to have achieved the unique crossover culturally to be enjoyed by both black and white South Africans,” Zuma said in a statement.
“It is a great loss to the nation and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Mpho, his family and hordes of fans.”
The National Freedom Party (NFP) also conveyed their condolences and said that he was always true to himself.
“Mandoza one of the prominent architects of South African Kwaito music stars, he never imitated western musicians or anyone, he has always been original and true to himself,” spokesman Sabelo Sigudu said.
He added that the government should honour musicians while they are alive and not only when the pass away.
“We call upon the current to go away with its lazy tendency of honouring heroes and heroines when they passed on as is it happening now.”
“It has now become a culture that legends are not honoured while they are still alive.”
Since Mandoza's death was announced, scores of people have been flocking to social media to express their condolences with #RIP Mendoza still trending this morning.
This included acclaimed radio DJ TB Touch who tweeted: “Mandoza' last interview on Metro FM was on the TouchDown. Got nothing but love you! #RIP Mendoza we will stand by your family.”
Many others praised him for his contribution to nation building, as South Africans of all races would take to the dance floor in unison whenever his music was played.
@TheeModels posted: “A man that broke barriers with Nkalakatha. A legacy that will live on in our hearts. #RIP Mendoza.”
@tndaba also tweeted: “#RIP Mendoza: The song that the young ones need to listen to:- "hlonipha ilife boy". This song will open your eyes about respecting life.”
@shady_perrie added: “You never bragged about all these negative things i hear most musicians do .#RIP Mendoza #Mandoza Tribute
The Star