Former popular Umhlobo Wenene presenter, Mthobeli "K-CI" August has died. K-Ci who presented the afternoon drive show, on the popular SABC radio station was discovered unconscious at his Joburg home on Friday, December 29. The decorated radio and TV personality became popular in the early 2000s. He quickly moved to TV where he co-presented a popular maskandi show Ezodumo with the then Lesedi FM presenter, Puleng Thulo. K-Ci got his nickname from US R&B star, K-Ci of K-Ci & Jojo fame.

HE WAS FOUND UNCONSCIOUS 

According to a source close to the family, K-CI who was based in Johannesburg was found unconscious and he was declared dead by paramedics on the spot. The source told ZiMoja that it is suspected that he slipped and fell. "It doesn't look like there was foul play, it seems like he fell but because he was staying alone, no one was there to help on time," adds the source.

FAMILY CONFIRMS HIS PASSING  

On Friday, his family released a statement about his passing and asked for privacy during the time of his mourning. "It is with great sadness that the August family announces the passing of their son Mthobeli K-CI August. Mthobeli was discovered unconscious in his Johannesburg home on Friday, 29 December 2023. Mthobeli was a decorated radio broadcaster who enthralled audiences across South Africa with his unique style of presenting. We ask for privacy during this time of mourning. The funeral details will be shared in due course," the statement said. The family has also mentioned that they will share the funeral details in due course. Apart from presenting on Umhlobo Wenene, K-Ci released his debut album of jokes and skits he was doing on Umhlobo Wenene. He released a follow-up music album which was produced by his fellow Eastern Cape-born idol, Afro-pop star Ringo Madlingozi.

FIRED FROM BY THE SABC  

In 2007, K-CI had a fallout with Umhlobo Wenene and he was suspended. After a few years, he was fired from the station. But the listeners put pressure on the station to bring him back and Umhlobo Wenene obliged. After he lost his job again, he continued to do private gigs as an MC at different functions. Last year in November, K-CI was accused of taking a client's money and not fulfilling his contractual duties. He had been booked at a wedding but never showed up. In an interview conducted with Drum magazine, the radio funnyman was quoted saying: "I'm single and I'm just enjoying life. Even if I was to die right now‚ I would die a happy man."