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Mandoza
Born
Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala

(1978-01-17)17 January 1978
Soweto, South Africa
Died 18 September 2016(2016-09-18) (aged 38)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Resting place Westpark Cemetery, Bloemhof
Nationality South African
Spouse(s) Mpho Mputhi Tshabalala
Children 4
Musical career
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instruments Vocals
Years active 1990s–2016
Labels
Associated acts
  • Chiskop
  • Dino Jelusic
  • Arthur Mafokate
  • Danny K
  • M'du Masilela
  • Thebe

Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala (born January 17, 1978 – died September 18, 2016), known as Mandoza, was a famous South African musician. He was a big star in the Kwaito music style. Kwaito is a type of music that mixes house music, hip hop, and traditional African sounds. Mandoza was known for many hit songs like "Nkalakatha", "Uzoyithola Kanjani", and "Godoba". These songs were very popular in South Africa and across Africa. His album Nkalakatha, released in 2000, became his most successful album.

Early Life and Beginnings

Mandoza was born in 1978 in Zola, a township in Soweto. He grew up there with his mother, grandparents, and two sisters.

Starting a Music Group

After some time, Mandoza formed a music group called "Chiskop". He started this group with three friends he knew since childhood: S'bu, Siphiwe (also known as General), and Sizwe.

Discovered by a Music Legend

Mandoza's amazing talent was noticed by Arthur Mafokate. Arthur Mafokate is often called the "King of Kwaito" music. A DJ named Sipho Mbatha, known as Sgqemeza, was the first to play Mandoza's music on the radio.

Music with a Message

Mandoza wanted his music to inspire young South Africans. He used his songs to encourage them to work hard and reach their dreams. For example, his song "Uzoyithola Kanjani" means "how are you going to get it, if you don't get up and go for it." He often said that his mentor, Glenn Morris, helped him a lot when he was starting out.

Mandoza's Music Journey

The group Chiskop signed their first music contract and released their first album, Akusheshi. Later, they released another album called Relax. Chiskop became very popular and was a leading group in Kwaito music.

Starting a Solo Career

Even though Chiskop was successful, Mandoza also began a solo music career. In 1999, he released his first solo album, 9II5 Zola South. This album sold over 100,000 copies and earned him a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2000 FNB South African Music Awards.

The Success of Nkalakatha

In 2000, Mandoza released his second album, Nkalakatha. This album was produced by Gabi Le Roux. The main song, "Nkalakatha", became a huge hit. It was popular on both black and white radio stations, which was a big deal at the time. Other popular songs from this album included "Virstaan" and "Skhathi Sewashi".

Awards for Nkalakatha

The album Nkalakatha won the Best Kwaito Music Album award in 2001. The song "Nkalakatha" also won Song of the Year at the South African Music Awards. Mandoza won many awards at the 2001 Metro Music Awards, including Best Kwaito Artist and Best Album.

More Hit Albums

After Nkalakatha, Mandoza released his third album, Godoba. This album also had popular songs like "Godoba", "Jerusalema", and "50/50". In 2001, he won the Best Artist – Southern Africa award at the Kora All Africa Music Awards. In 2002, he released his fifth successful album, Tornado.

Beyond Music

Mandoza also appeared in a documentary film called SHARP! SHARP! – the kwaito story in 2003. In 2005, it was announced that Mandoza would act in a South African rugby film called Number 10. He also helped create music for the film's soundtrack.

Connecting Through Languages

Mandoza sang in many of South Africa's languages. These included English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa. This helped him connect with many different listeners across the country. He wanted his Kwaito music to have a positive message. He believed music should talk about social issues, not just dancing and fun.

Special Collaborations

Mandoza also worked with Croatian rock singer Dino Jelusic. They made rap and metal songs together, like "Bad to the Bone" and "In Our Blood". "In Our Blood" was a song dedicated to rhinos that were killed in 2015. Mandoza received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the first Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards.

Later Years and Passing

Mandoza passed away on September 18, 2016. His family shared that he had been battling a type of cancer before he died. He had also experienced problems with his eyesight.

Awards and Recognitions

  • 2001 South African Music Awards (SAMA) Song of the Year for Nkalakatha
  • 2001 South African Music Awards (SAMA) Best Kwaito Album
  • 2001 Metro Fm Music Awards Best Kwaito Artist
  • 2001 Metro Fm Music Awards Best Male Vocalist
  • 2001 Metro Fm Music Awards Best Album
  • 2001 Metro Fm Music Awards Best Styled Artist
  • 2001 Metro Fm Music Awards Song of the Year
  • 2001 Kora All Africa Music Awards Best Artist – Southern Africa
  • 2002 South African Music Awards (SAMA) Best Music Video For Godoba
  • 2002 South African Music Awards (SAMA) Song of the Year For Godoba
  • 2006 Channel O Musical Video Awards – Best Collaboration Video ("Music") (with Danny K)
  • 2012 Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAS) Best Music Video With Ees
  • 2012 Channel O Musical Video Awards Best Kwaito Award For Ayoba With Ees
  • 2013 Nominated For Best Kwaito Album Sgantsontso

Solo Albums

  • 1999 9II5 Zola South
  • 2000 Nkalakatha
  • 2000: Nkalakatha (The Boss Remixes)
  • 2001: Godoba
  • 2002: Tornado
  • 2004: Mandoza
  • 2004: Same Difference – (with Danny K)
  • 2005: Phunyuka Bamphethe
  • 2006: Ngalabesi
  • 2007: Champion
  • 2008: Ingwenya
  • 2010: Real Deal
  • 2011: So Fresh
  • 2013: Sgantsontso
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