A Heartfelt Tribute To Kwaito Legend Mapaputsi: Eugene Mthethwa Speaks Out

• On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the memorial service for Kwaito icon Mapaputsi was held in Soweto, bringing together colleagues and fans alike.
• Eugene Mthethwa of the Trompies group used the occasion to voice his frustrations with the government's treatment of creatives, highlighting a lack of support during their lifetimes.
• Mthethwa criticized the government for only showing up when artists pass away, leaving them unsupported while they're alive.

The memorial service for South African Kwaito legend Sandile "Mapaputsi" Ngwenya was a deeply emotional event that brought together a wide array of people. Colleagues from the music industry, close friends, and prominent figures from various walks of life gathered to pay their respects to a man who left an indelible mark on the world of music. Mapaputsi's legacy lives on not just in his music but in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Eugene Mthethwa Channels His Grief Into A Call For Change

As the memorial service unfolded on Thursday, September 12, in Soweto, it became clear that this was more than just a gathering to honor the memory of a beloved artist. It was also an opportunity for some to reflect on the broader issues facing the creative community in South Africa. Eugene Mthethwa, a respected member of the Trompies group and a vocal advocate for artists' rights, used the occasion to voice his concerns about the government's treatment of creatives.

Mthethwa, who is no stranger to speaking truth to power, directed his remarks at the South African government during the service for Mapaputsi, the man behind the iconic hit "Izinja." In a poignant moment, he questioned why it seems to take the death of an artist for the government to step up and show support. His words resonated deeply with those in attendance, many of whom have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by artists trying to make a living in the industry.

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As reported by ZiMoja, Mthethwa's critique centered on the government's tendency to celebrate artists only after they've passed away. He pointed out the stark contrast between how other professions, such as the military and police, receive support and recognition during their lifetimes versus the neglect often faced by those in the arts. His comments were a call to action, urging the government to reconsider its approach and ensure that artists receive the support they need while they're still alive and contributing to the cultural fabric of the nation.

"Why is it that we are only celebrated when we are dead? How many people visited him when he was sick and checked on him to see if he was OK? But when artists die, they get front-row seats."

"When a person in the army or the police dies, it's the colleagues and people who lived with the fallen soldier who get front-row seats. With us, Kwaito artists and people in the arts, we get the back seat and the government shines. It was the same with Mandoza and other Kwaito artists. The government only supports the dead."

Mapaputsi's final journey will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, with a funeral service at the Dlamini Multipurpose Centre Hall in Soweto. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at West Park Cemetery's Heroes Acre. As the community comes together to say goodbye, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists.

Family Feud Over The Legacy Of Emzini Wezinsizwa Creator Pixley Shabangu

In another chapter of South Africa's entertainment landscape, the family of the late Pixley Shabangu, creator of the iconic TV show Emzini Wezinsizwa, finds itself embroiled in a legal battle over his estate. What should have been a time of remembrance and celebration of his contributions to television has instead become a contentious issue within the family.

The dispute centers around the late TV legend's home, with 39-year-old Njabulo Shabangu clashing with his mother and older brother over who should rightfully inherit the property. This unfortunate turn of events highlights the complexities that can arise when a family is left to navigate the legacy of a beloved figure without clear guidance on how to manage their assets. As the Shabangu family works through these challenges, it serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and communication in ensuring that legacies are honored in the way their creators intended.