Kwaito star Brown Dash dies

Today the South African music industry is said to have lost another of their own.

Celebrity condolences have flooded social networking sites Twitter and Facebook after rumours that kwaito artist Brown Dash, whose real name was Simphiwe Mpamile, died early this evening.



The news came hot on the heels of his recent performance at Mzansi's biggest music night at the South African Music Awards when he joined fellow kwaito musos Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng, Bricks, Skhokho and Madluphutu to perform the hit Ngeke Balunge.

The singer cut a frail yet exuberant figure and he sang and danced along for the cheering crowd.

Last Thursday he attended the "Godfather of kwaito" Mdu Masilela's 40th birthday at Envy Lounge in Sandton City.



Although still looking a shadow of his former self, the former TS Records star entertained a groups of friends that included Jairus "Jakarumba" Khuse.

It was indeed a shock to many on the social network when kaito artist Bricks tweeted; "RIP. Brown Dash. Soholala sikuthanda. (We'll always love you)."

When asked by a follower it if was true, the musian responded, "Ang'dlali skhokho. I just left him 10min ago. Now I'm getting a foun call yokuthi hs passed on." (I'm not joking dude).

Dash, who hailed from Zola, is best remembered for hit songs like "Phans' komthunz' welanga", "Siya jiva akekho ugogo", "Puff and pass" and "Umthandazo wabo lova".

He was also instrumental in the success of fictional character Mzekezeke, impersonated by DJ Sbu, in 2002, while still part of the TS Records stable.

After parting ways with TS Records in 2009, he joined DJ Cleo's label, Wheels of Steel, where his star shone a lot less brightly, becoming regular tabloid fodder.

His career never recovered from the parting with TS Records.

In spite of this, he was adored by many in South Africa.

"A kwaito legend gone too soon! May he rest in peace!" tweeted producer and rapper Psyfo.

"Another fallen soldier #BrownDash R.I.P Boy!!!," tweeted R&B muso, Verd Eaton.

Other celebrities including Bonang Matheba and Kwela Tebza joined in sending condoleces.

"Another Legendary artist gone... All that is left is memories and maybe a hologram... Rest In Peace Brown Dash.. #LoveUAlwaysFriend" tweeted @DJQness.

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