Mandoza takes a final bow

Almost all the messages of condolence sent on social media this past weekend described Mandoza as a legend.

Throughout his career, Mandoza has always been praised and loved by all South Africans regardless of their race groupings or background. He never ran out of words to describe himself and his legendary status,  at first he called himself Nkalakatha, in one of his songs, which means top dog.

Being a top dog was proven when Nkalakatha hit became a national anthem and a crossover which penetrated even white circles.

From Nkalakatha, he became known as Godoba, Sgelekeqe Esfocus, Sgantsontso, PhunyukaBemphethe and he even called himself Tornado.

Of course, these are some of his popular hits and his stage name remained Mandoza or Tsotsi yaseZola.

Like many artists, Mandoza didn’t start the music journey alone. His humble beginnings were with Chiskop, a group he formed which his childhood friends in the 90s after he was released from jail.

King of Kwaito Arthur Mafokate played a huge role in discovering Mandoza’s talent and making Chiskop a success.

Being the ‘Beyonce’ of Chiskop, Mandoza launched his solo career in 1999 with his debut album titled 9115 Zola South.

The first track from that album was called UzoyitholaKanjani and is about motivating young South Africans to get up and work towards archiving their goals.

His first album earned him a South African Music Awards (SAMA) best newcomer nomination. It was his second album, Nkalakatha that won him a number of SAMAs and Metro awards.

Mandoza’s arrival in the entertainment industry was strongly felt not only in this country, but the whole African continent acknowledged as well.

In 2001 he won the best artist award at the Kora All Africa Music Awards. The height of his career and legendary status were sealed in 2004 when he made it to the list of Top 100 Great South Africans.

Throughout his career, Mandoza has collaborated and worked with many renowned artists in this country. He has worked with Mdu, Tokolo, Oskido, Danny K, Ringo and much more.

The guy was not always making headlines because of his multi-award winning music. Tabloids and social media once had a field day about his poor English. Memes of Mandoza and his broken English are still making its round on social media even today.

Like many artists who succumb to the pressure that comes with always being in the limelight, Mandoza couldn’t resist the temptation of drugs.

Luckily, he was able to quit drugs before they could destroy his career. What almost destroyed his career were car accidents which followed him like a bad spell.

In 2008, he was involved in an accident which left two people dead. Being a true hustler from Zola, Mandoza managed to leave all the drama that followed the accident behind and continued with what he did best, music.

Mduduzi “Mandoza” Tshabalala was born in 1978 in Zola and him and his two sisters were raised by his mother.

It is believed that his father died when he was too young and thus he never knew him.

Mandoza leaves behind his wife and three children. Hamba kahleTsotsi yaseZola, kwaito will never be the same without you.