Danny K chats about the passing of Mandoza

South African was shaken by the news of one of our greatest music icon, Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala, or as we know him, Mandoza.

I remember the very first Mandoza single I heard was “Uzoyithola kanjani?” when I was around 8 years old. Back then kwaito was more commonly known as township music and this electic genre was the sound of the youth.

Then Ndozman came out with Nkalakatha, which in my opinion, is his biggest hit and one of the anthems of sound Africa. I remember even my white friends would  sing “Clean the gutter, ‘cause my knee is sore” instead of “Nkalakatha, ungangihlanyisi sbali!”

The first time I met Mandoza was at the East Coast Radio Toy Story Corporate Day a couple years ago and I must say I was completely star struck. There in front of me was a man I had admired and grooved to for most of my teenage years, sitting right next to me, waiting to be interviewed by me. Career highlight of note I tell you!

Last week I spoke to his wife, Mpho, after hearing the news of is metastasized cancer, and to be 100% honest she sounded so positive about his situation. Not for a second during that conversation, would I have guessed that a week later, we would be a nation in mourning.

Ndozman, I don’t think you understand how loved you were, and how much impact your music has had on shaping the youth of our country. Your story is one that has inspired millions across the country. Who would have known that such a troubled young man, would become one of the greatest assets that our country has.

Yesterday, we got the chance to speak to one of his colleagues and friends, Danny K who also shared how he felt about the passing of Mandoza.

Rest in Paradise, Godoba, Mr Back down iTornado, Mshengu, Mandoza