Kwaito star Mapaputsi laid to rest

Legendary kwaito star Sandile Ngwenya commonly know as Mapaputsi has been laid to rest at West Park cemetery in Johannesburg.

The Soweto born artist will be remembered for hits like Izinja, Kleva and My Love.

Family, friends, fans and creatives gathered to pay their last respect.

It was a celebration of song and dance at the funeral service of Ngwenya.

The Izinja hit maker died on Thursday last week after being ill for over a year.

TS Records boss Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza recalls how he met Mapaputsi.

“I was introduced by Khabzela [the late Yfm DJ, Fana Khaba] to him. He told me there was this guy from Zola, nobody wants to work with him. I worked with Mapaputsi for two years. He was the most funniest guy ever. He has always wanted to represent his people from Zola. He made sure he did it for the people of Soweto,” adds Nciza.

Nciza says Mapaputsi was one of those people who would force things until they materialise, just like how he worked hard for himself while there were not many opportunities.

South African Music Industry Council’s Thobela Dlamini says he will remember Mapaputsi for his hard work and for helping other artists.

“It is so sad that we are losing people that were supposed to give back to the community. I mean, a lot of people that he inspired at Zola looked up to him. Now the question is, who are they going to look up to.”

Many of Mapaputsi’s friends, including DJ Sbu, were also at the funeral.

Mapaputsi’s uncle, Lucky Xaba has called on South Africans to continue keeping Mapaputsi’s spirit alive by playing his music.

He says this will also benefit his children through royalties.

SA continues to mourn Kwaito star ‘Mapaputsi’