South Africa’s entertainment community has been rocked by yet another untimely passing after reports confirmed Hip-Hop producer DJ Dimplez died on Sunday.
UPDATE: DJ Dimplez laid to rest [WATCH LIVE] – Friday 11 March 2022
The renowned Hip-Hop producer was laid to rest in a funeral that was broadcast live. You can tune into the send off below:
UPDATE: Family confirms DJ Dimplez cause of death – Monday 7 March 2022
In a statement, family spokesperson Shekeshe Mokgosi confirmed DJ Dimplez passed away at approximately 13:15 on Sunday. Turns out, the producer, whose real name is Boitumelo Athiel Mooi suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage on Saturday and was only rushed to hospital the day after. However, by then, it was too late.
Here is the family’s official statement:
“Yes it is true, DJ Dimplez has passed away on Sunday afternoon. We would like to be given time to grieve as the family is still coming to terms with the news. We confirm that he succumbed to a brain haemorrhage, unfortunately we can’t share any more details as we are requesting privacy during this difficult time.”
DJ Dimplez dies: What’s the cause of death?
Speculation is rife about the cause of death linked to the We Ain’t Leaving star. The eccentric event promoter, responsible for South Africa’s premium Hip-Hop party, Pop Bottles, is believed to have passed away in the wee hours of Sunday.
His family has yet to release an official statement but figures close to the producer have hinted that he may have collapsed at an event “then [reportedly] got rushed to a nearby hospital where he was announced dead upon arrival.”
DJ Dimplez Dies💔
— Overview Podcast (@OverviewRadio) March 6, 2022
Sad news reaching Overview Radio is that DJ Dimplez has passed away.
The Pop Bottles originator is sad to have collapsed at a gig,then got rushed to a nearby hospital where he was announced dead upon arrival.
RIP Dimplez 🕊️🙏🏾💔#DJDimplez #MphoWaBadimo𓃵 pic.twitter.com/jpgflhoa3O
At this time, DJ Dimplez’ cause of death remains unknown.
DJ Dimplez biography
Born Tumi Mooi, DJ Dimplez’ charismatic persona, matched with his hunger for more, saw him play a crucial role in shaping the sounds of commercial South African Hip-Hop, at a time when the genre was the most-dominant in the industry.
Mooi is originally from Cape Town but, at some point in his adolescence, he moved to Johannesburg to pursue his dream of taking over Hip-Hop as its spokesperson.
Sure, his rapping ability may have not piqued interest but the influence he drew from Western Hip-Hop production gave him an edge.
Initially, Mooi’s move to Jozi was prompted by his studies at Wits University, where he reportedly pursued a degree in commerce. However, his involvement in the tertiary’s party scene changed everything, and was, ultimately, the catalyst behind the Pop Bottles brand.
“I was very clear about the idea. I wanted to create a different, branded Hip-Hop experience. By then, I’d been Doing for five years, so I knew the scene well. Nothing much happened on Sundays, and taking the party out onto a deck in the afternoon would be a whole new experience,” he once reflected in an interview.
Some of his most-esteemed works include:
- Rands & Nairas by Emmy Gee featuring AB Crazy and DJ Dimplez
- Amantombazane Remix by Riky Rick featuring Various Artists; and
- Bae Coupe featuring Ice Prince, Emmy Gee and Riky Rick
The producer has two albums listed in his discography: Zeal (2014) and Kubu (2019).
DJ Dimplez passed away before his paternity to the child of Instagram model Mamdiarah Diakoumpa was publicly confirmed.
Social media pays tribute to Hip-Hop legend
News of DJ Dimplez’ death left fans winded. It’s only been a week since the industry was gutted by the loss of Rikhado ‘Riky Rick’ Makhado. A few weeks prior to that, revered Hip-Hop producer DJ Citi Lyts was the victim of a violent murder, which remains unsolved with no suspects arrested in the case.
Before then, Kuli Roberts sent shockwaves across social media when her sudden death was confirmed by her family.
In a tribute, a fellow DJ recalled his last encounter with DJ Dimplez at an event held in Vosloorus on Saturday, where he allegedly saw the producer crying “and no one was allowed to be closed by.”
Last night gig at Moagi Wings in Vosloo, just after Dj Dimples played. He cried and no one was allowed to be closed by. Now today he’s no more. Weirdest thing I’ve witnessed in my life!! WOW MAN!!☹️
— Karabo_Ted (WAHS) (@MagesticSoulSA) March 6, 2022
A day earlier, DJ Dimplez had attended the memorial service of Riky Rick and this picture, a tribute to his longtime industry mate, would eerily become his last.
The photographer who took the picture wrote, in an Instagram post published on Sunday, about his last conversation with the producer on Saturday, only hours before his death.
“What pains me is that just a day ago I asked if you are okay and you said you don wanna talk bout it,” he said.
Here are some of the tributes posted by fans and peers of the late producer.
Rest in Power Gents 🙏🏽💔 RIP DJ Dimplez pic.twitter.com/eu2x2Ssq1B
— The General 🖤💚💛👑 (@KingMntungwa) March 6, 2022
We’re losing the best in the game. It was Riky Rick, now DJ Dimplez! 😢💔💔💔🕊🕊🕊 Rest easy King! #RipDJDimplez #RIPDjDimples pic.twitter.com/Dlx48n5CgQ
— I_am_Nyame (@Nemza007) March 6, 2022
Soldier down 💔 Good Night Tumi Dj Dimplez Mooi ,gentle giant 🕊 #RIPDjDimplez pic.twitter.com/XiZWQLiW7G
— #RIPDjDimplez 🕊💙🕯🙏🏿 (@TeekayGoldfish) March 6, 2022
Rest In Peace DJ Dimplez💔🕊 #RIPDJDimplez pic.twitter.com/Ct4vfQQYBl
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) March 6, 2022
RIP D 🙏🏾💔🕊
— BRAGGA (@Nadia_nakai) March 6, 2022