Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala, popularly known as Mandoza, was a South African musician and one of the pioneers of the Kwaito genre. He passed away on September 18th, 2016, at the age of 38, after a long battle with pharyngeal cancer.

Mandoza was born in 1978 in Zola, a township in Soweto, where he grew up with his mother, grandparents, and two sisters. Tragically, he never knew his father, who his mother claimed had been murdered the same year he was born. Despite facing difficult circumstances, Mandoza found solace in music and began his career as a rapper in the early 1990s.

In 1999, Mandoza released his debut album, "9-II-5 Zola South," which showcased his unique blend of Kwaito and Hip Hop. However, it was his second album, "Nkalakatha," released in 2000, that catapulted him to national and international fame. The album, which sold over 350,000 copies, spawned several hit singles, including the title track "Nkalakatha," which became an anthem for South Africans across the country.

Over the years, Mandoza continued to produce hit after hit, including "Uzoyithola Kanjani," "Tornado," "Sgelekeqe," "Ngalabesi," "Godoba," "Tsotsi Yase Zola," and "Indoda," which topped the charts in South Africa and across the African continent. His music was loved by many, and he became an icon in the Kwaito music scene.

Despite his success, Mandoza's life was not without challenges. In 1994, he was sentenced to one-and-a-half years in prison for stealing a car, which he served in Diepkloof Prison. He also faced health challenges in his later years, being diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer in 2015.

Despite his illness, Mandoza remained hopeful and continued to perform until he was physically unable to do so. His passing was a shock to his family, friends, and fans, who mourned his loss and remembered him for his incredible music and larger-than-life personality.

Mandoza's legacy as a pioneer of Kwaito music in South Africa will never be forgotten. He was a true icon and inspiration to many, and his music will continue to live on for generations to come.