Tributes are still pouring in for Kwaito legend Sandile Ngwenya, popularly known as Mapaputsi, who passed away yesterday after a long illness. 

WE ARE PERISHING

Longtime friend and colleague,S'busiso 'Maloya' Ntshangase, told Zimoja that, "Sandile was more than a friend to me. He was family. Even my own mother took him like a son." The kwaito maestro, saddened by the loss, also expressed about how Mapaputsi was affected by the current state of kwaito. 

?He was deeply concerned about the view that Kwaito is dying. It was around the passing of Magesh (Tokollo Tshabalala) in 2022, when he became more vocal about us reviving kwaito. Things started to change and the bookings were coming in. It feels like at the time when people are starting enjoy the genre again, we are perishing. Now more than ever, we need to push forward with new music so our genre and expertise don't die with us." 

PERSONAL LOSS

According to Sbu, the two last spoke days before his passing. "I thought he was through the worst as he sounded so happy and jolly just like the Sandile I knew. Little did I know that would be the last time I would talk to him- but I am glad we spoke I will always cherish the time we spent together."

On his Facebook page, Zwai Bala shared a short message to his fallen comrade-in-music; "I am gonna miss you boy- much love forever."

The controversy-prone king of Kwaito, Athur Mofokate, described Mapaputsi as a funny and talented guy who used to make jokes and make fun of any situation whether it is was serious or not.

"He was full of life and talent," said Mafokate. 

The kwaito legend's passing was confirmed by his family yesteday in a statement issued to the public. It read that he transitioned peacefully the evening of 5 September 2024 in hospital. 

"All details for the funeral and memorial services will be communicated in due time. We plead to please continue to put the Ngwenya family in your prayers in this most difficult times," read the statement.