Memorial And Funeral Details Announced For Kwaito Legend Sandile ‘Mapaputsi’ Ngwenya

The South African music world is mourning the loss of Kwaito legend Sandile “Mapaputsi” Ngwenya, whose memorial and funeral service details have been confirmed. The “Izinja” hitmaker passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, following a brief illness. His family shared the sad news, stating, “The family of the South African Kwaito legend Sandile Ngwenya, popularly known as Mapaputsi, are saddened to confirm to the media and public the passing of their son.”

Mapaputsi’s memorial service is scheduled for September 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Eyethu Hall in Mofolo, Soweto. His funeral will follow on September 14 at 8:00 a.m. at Dlamini Multipurpose Centre Hall.

Mapaputsi rose to fame in the early 2000s with his debut album Izinja, a project that not only earned him accolades but also changed the course of his life. He won Best Kwaito Artist and Best Kwaito Song at the 2002 Metro FM Awards, along with Best Kwaito Song and Best Music Video at the 2003 South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

Reflecting on the success of Izinja, Mapaputsi once said on the King David Podcast, “I reached gold before the CD was out. The demand was so high, and all these record labels were denying my thing. After the song blew up, they all came running.”

Mapaputsi went on to release two additional albums, Still Barking and Last Man Standing. He credited the late gospel star Vuyo Mokoena and radio legend DJ Khabzela as major supporters in his early career. After exploring gospel music, he found his way into Kwaito, collaborating with renowned acts like TKZee and Chiskop.

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