Nomasonto ‘Mshoza’ Maswanganyi has passed away, the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) confirmed on Thursday.
Mshoza has passed away: What’s the cause of death?
Thus far, the music rights group was first to issue a statement on the news that has reverberated throughout Mzansi.
“Yet another loss to the music industry. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of kwaito star Nomasonto Maswanganyi, affectionately known as Mshoza,” SAMRO tweeted.
The 37-year-old’s manager Thanduxolo Jindela provided more information on the star’s death. In a Facebook post, Jindela noted Mshoza’s date of death as Thursday19 November.
“The Kortes hitmaker succumbed peacefully in the early hours of this morning,” the post read.
At this time, the family has not issued an official statement with more information on the cause of death.
Mzansi mourns Kwaito icon
Mshoza had seen it and done it all by 37. Born on 7 January 1983, Mshoza was destined to take over the airwaves with her unique, husky voice.
She had a tomboy-ish appeal that was rare in mid-90s South Africa. Her raspy vocals on hard-hitting Kwaito beats solidified a place for her as a princess thriving under the stewardship of greats like Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa.
Her two albums, Bulldogz First Lady and Bhoza, are platinum-certified, marking her name in Kwaito history.
Mshoza’s untimely passing shocked prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Celebrities and long-time fans of the star took to social media to react to the news.
The music industry has once again lost one of amazing artists, the queen of Kwaito, Mshoza
— Ambitiouz Ent (@Ambitiouz_Ent) November 19, 2020
We would like to send our sincere sympathies to her family and friends.
May your soul rest in eternal peace #RIPMshoza pic.twitter.com/IprEFjGxGT
The world underrated her, body shamed her, called her names but through it all she won, conquered and inspired many.
— Catchvibe Moatshe (@IamCatchvibe) November 19, 2020
The godmother of KWAITO, the Queen of KWAITO,
Long Live Mshoza #RIPmshoza pic.twitter.com/VoKQywC6Bp
Mshoza Bozza is no more #RIPMshoza pic.twitter.com/ToHYZQIV5j
— Hermaine M (@HermaineM) November 19, 2020
#RIPMshoza Feels like a lifetime ago when this shoot happened. Thank you for the music, living unapologetically and for being such a cool person. And standing up for others when you didn't have to. pic.twitter.com/yMG8zGcuIX
— AndThenMamaSaid ✊ (@tumi_morake) November 19, 2020
Rest in perfect Peace Mshoza! #RIPMshoza pic.twitter.com/O0ubXaQKU1
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) November 19, 2020
Our attempts to contact the Maswanganyi family were unsuccessful.