Yes, I’m the last man standing,” so said the emotional “General” at the memorial service of his late brother, friend and fellow dancer Mduduzi Tshabalala better known to millions -in and outside our borders- as Mandoza.
“General” and Mandoza were founding members of the dance group Chiskop (baldhead) years’ ago from Zola township. It was made up of four members -two members passed on, only to be followed by Mandoza this week.
Now, “General” is the only surviving member and yesterday, said “I will hold onto that baton and run with it, in celebration of memories of the group” that made headlines.
The memorial held at the Standard Bank Arena, next to Emirates Park, was packed with fans, politicians, press, football players, musicians (current and old), MPs, Ministers, communities from other African States and opposition parties.
Speaker after speaker spoke fondly of Mandoza, but the moving speech by Gabi Le Roux, touched many when he said him and Mandoza we’re like brothers.
As he took center stage, Gabi who is popular for producing the chart-buster Nkalakatha said, the hit was cooked at his home in Cape Town, as they were fooling around and playing with lyrics.
“I was playing with my piano and suddenly, my fingers began hitting the right notes. Out of the blue, Mandoza, who was outside penning down the lyrics, came storming to me and said this is it. And viola the birth of hit Nkalakatha was born.
Devine intervention was what began our journey and the success that followed,” said the man tagged ‘umlungu omnyama’ (white man with black veins) much to the applause and ululations from the fans.
“Mandoza enjoyed sleeping and too much food. He wouldn’t go a minute without munching, even if, he had dinner, he’d always ask for more. That’s the man I groomed and grew fond of. He blessed me. Rest in Peace my brother, friend, father and ambassador.”
In between the speeches Mandoza’s hits after hits blared out as fans danced and jostled for attention.
“We’re not here to mourn and whip but to celebrate the life of this great giant of Africa, hence the dancing and whistling,” said the MEC for Sport in Gauteng Faith Mazibuko.
Actor of note Tony Kgoroge said as a result of Mandoza’s charisma, the former leader of the four Grammy Award winner’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo ubaba Joseph Tshabalala also acknowledged him for his craftwork.
Nathi Mthethwa, minister of arts & culture described him as a Baoba Tree, Colossus and brave, because he fought cancer when it emerged last year but God decided otherwise this time.
“Just to remind you, in 2004 he was voted in the top 100 influential figures in the country that goes to show the role he played in developing and promoting arts, despite his unfortunate background and upbringing.
“Its only fitting we send this giant to rest in Peace in the manner he deserved.”
Brickz, Doc Shebeleza, Professor, Vusi Leeuw also sent their well wishes to the family, particularly Mpho (wife of Mandoza) and the three children to weather the storm and be united as ever.
Former TKZee member and troublesome Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala said the death of his friend is a beginning of a new chapter in his life.
“What my took my friends life, is what I went through after my accident in Botswana. I was in and out of hospitals on medication. I know that pain. Its’ deadly and unfortunately today, it took away impintshi yami (my dear friend).”
Tokollo also took a swipe at those who believe kwaito is dead. Don’t believe those doomsayers kwaito is alive, it’s only natural that music is evolving, he said.
Thobela Dlamini, vice chairman of Risa, punched below the belt when, he said this notion of celebrating artists when belly-up should be disregarded.
“Artists such as Arthur Mafokate should be honoured when still active and we hope Mandoza’s passing-on will be a lesson to all gathered under this roof. Mandoza did not die a pauper”, he pointed out angrily, as he took out the finger to the press for misleading the public.
Kabelo “Bugga Luv” Mabalane was the MC and his fellow business partner Danny K, closed off the ceremony with a fitting soulful song.
Mduduzi Edmund Thembinkosi Tshabalala will be laid to his final rest on Friday (23 September).
Church service will begin at Grace Bible Church, Pimville from 8:30.
Rest eternally in Peace Mshengu, we’re poorer without!
