Eight years have passed, yet his absence can still be felt for Mpho Tshabalala.
Mpho, the wife of well-known musician Mduduzi Tshabalala, famously known as “Mandoza” has recently penned a heartfelt note to the Kwaito and Hip-Hop legend on what would have been his 46th birthday.
Mandoza, who was well known for his hit songs Nkalakatha, Indoda and 50/50 passed away on the 18th September 2016 after being diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer – a type of cancer that occurs in the throat or voice box, often linked to tobacco or alcohol use as well as certain viruses – explains medical experts at Yale Medicine.
To celebrate his birthday, his widow Mpho took to Instagram and wrote:
“Mshengu Tshabalala, it still feels strange celebrating your birthday without you, but I know your spirit moves with me daily. Happy 8th heavenly birthday.
“May you keep on being the amazing star you have been…,” she concluded.
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The two have been married for fourteen years, since tying the knot in 2002 and have three children together. Mpho was also the executive producer for the Mandoza biopic – Nkalakatha: The life of Mandoza – which premiered on the BET Africa channel.
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The song was a local favourite since its release in the earlier 2000’s and continues to excel to this day. Last year both local and international fans started dancing when the Nkalakatha was played at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Also: Mandoza to receive Lifetime Achievement award at the SAMAs
