REFLECTING INTO MANDOZA’S IMPACT TO SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY

Even beyond his grave, Mandoza’s legacy lives on as he continues to unite South Africa and other countries with his music.

The late Kwaito legend left Mzansi with countless hits when he passed away on 18 September, 2016 in Johannesburg from brain cancer, went solo in early 2000 as a way to impact youth and give them hope with his uplifting lyrics.

In celebration of his heavely birthday and his positive impact in the South African music industry, Briefly News zoomed in on his life and how some of his songs united Mzansi and gave hope to the unemployed youth at the time he popped up.

Because of his music, the musician was dubbed a street poet as he used his lyrics as a vehicle to reach and motivate the youth not to rest on their laurels. He encouraged them to stand up and be counted. Former Communications Minister, Faith Muthambi, said the crossover song helped consolidate the nation building agenda that late Nelson Mandela always dreamed of.

Some of Mandoza’s lyrics spoke about how a man can fall on hard times, but rise up to be stronger on the next day. Many people complained about struggling financially during the hard Covid-19 lockdown but many of them are now back on their feet, just like Mandoza said in his song Indoda (A Man). In his song Respect Life, Mandoza sang about how he was in and out of jail but still survived and how he abused substance, adding that he was able to beat his addiction.

When his single titled Nkalakatha came out, it united the country as people from the leafy suburbs to those living in poverty danced together. He gained so much respect from other musicians who were struggling to top charts on all radio stations in Mzansi.

The song was a party anthem for people of all colours in Mzansi. In fact, the song is still a favourite at most ccompanies’ year-end functions.