Kwaito icon Sandile ‘Mapaputsi’ Ngwenya dies
The celebrated musician died after a lengthy illness.
The late Kwaito star Sandile ‘Mapaputsi’ Ngwenya. Picture: Instagram/mapaputsipaps_original
JOHANNESBURG - Renowned Kwaito star Sandile ‘Mapaputsi’ Ngwenya has passed away at age 45.
Mapaputsi reportedly died in hospital on Thursday night after a prolonged illness.
The acclaimed Kwaito artist gained prominence in 2001 with the release of his album Izinja, which featured in the soundtrack of Grammy Award-winning movie Tsotsi.
Fans, musicians, and political parties have conveyed heartfelt condolences on social media following his passing, hailing him as one of the greatest kwaito artists ever to take the stage.
Mapaputsi passing away on a Friday is legendary man. Woza Friday was one of the best hits he ever made
— MO (@Mo_Magoda) September 6, 2024
RIP to the legend 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/gbLM27rYIt
"I'm not a dying type" - Mapaputsi
— Lessy Leseg⭕️ 👑 (@LessyJantjie) September 6, 2024
Rest In Peace Legend - Mapaputsi pic.twitter.com/BvTEM64TKL
Deeply saddened to hear about Mapaputsi's passing.
— Sheldon Cameron (@sheldon_cameron) September 6, 2024
I used to love this jam called "My Love" back in school. #RipMapaputsi pic.twitter.com/KIWJcwNMpZ
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expressed appreciation for Mapaputsi’s advocacy within the music industry.
The party said South Africans would forever recognise his efforts to protect music rights and combat the exploitation of artists.
Our condolences to the family, friends and music industry on the passing of award winning kwaito artist Mapaputsi (Sandile Ngwenya).
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 6, 2024
Mapaputsi started his music career in 1998. He won awards for Best Kwaito Artist and Best Kwaito Song at the Metro FM Awards in 2002.
His… pic.twitter.com/7181PysDb6
Mapaputsi’s family has yet to provide further details about his funeral arrangements.