The late Isaac “Mnca” Mtshali. Image: Facebook
Stimela announced the death of their drummer, Isaac “Mnca” Mtshali on Sunday evening, reports Mpumalanga News.
“It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing on of our beloved Isaac “Mnca” Mtshali. Further details will follow,” reads the post on the band’s Facebook page.
Sowetan reports that Mtshali collapsed on Sunday afternoon, with Mtshali’s family asking for space to mourn their loss.
Mtshali got together with Ray Phiri, Thabo Lloyd Lelosa, and Jabu Sibumbe to form the Cannibals before changing it to Stimela in 1982, expanding their band to include Charlie “Sam” Ndlovu, Nana Coyote, Thapelo Kgomo, and Ntokozo Zungu.
With soulful tunes and gripping lyrics, the band has recorded platinum-winning albums such as Fire, Passion and Ecstasy, Listen, Look and Decide, as well as one of their most memorable tracks, Whispers in the Deep.
He was also one of the members of Stimela who went on a world tour with US musician Paul Simon during his Graceland album tour.
Stimela also lost singer Ray Phiri in 2017, after he succumbed to lung cancer.
Tributes for the late musician continue to pour in on social media.
Additional reporting by Nica Schreuder.
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