Mduduzi Tshabalala better known by his stage name Mandoza was one of the most realist artists I have ever seen. We were all fortunate enough to get a closer look at the Kwaito sensations life when he had his reality show "Rolling with Mandoza." We got to see the man behind the music, the father, the husband. This show really made everyone love him that much more.
Mandoza had had many difficulties through his life, but somehow he always managed to turn a negative into a positive. After being released from jail he formed a group called Chiskop before deciding to go solo. With a one of a kind voice he took South Africa, and later, the rest of the world by storm.
The hit record that brought South Africa together was his infamous"Nkalakatha."(loosely translated as Top Dog). Till this day you can hear that song being played at soccer games and rugby games.
He again made history when he teamed up with another South African Musician Danny K on the award wining album "Same Difference". These two, together, broke racial barriers and made our nation once again feel united. (Please see Danny K's hearfelt tribute to Mandoza here http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2016/09/19/MUST-READ-Danny-K-pens-emotional-tribute-to-his-friend-and-hero-Mandoza )
My husband is such a huge Mandoza fan and we have at many a family get-togethers heard him playing his songs. Infact yesterday he made a Mandoza playlist and we had to listen to all his greatest hits. From Nkalakatha to Godoba to 50/50. You name it he played it.
I was very shocked when last year I found out that Mandoza had cancer. But we were so glad to hear that he was on the road to recovery. Just the other day I asked my husband how Mandoza was doing (like he personally knew him or something.)
And to think just last weekend (against all odds) Mandoza had his last performance, which he insisted on doing even though he was not feeling well and could not see.
May his music live on forever.
Hamba Kahle Nkalakatha!! (translation: "Go well Top Dog")
XOXO, T
*Accreditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=788DVzhJ-qQ
**Accreditation: Times Live http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2016/09/19/MUST-READ-Danny-K-pens-emotional-tribute-to-his-friend-and-hero-Mandoza
***Accreditation: @dannykmusic
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