Kwaito musician Mshoza dies at 37

The musician allegedly died at the Far East Rand Hospital on Thursday morning after a long illness. The cause of death has not been confirmed.

Mshoza’s manager, Thanduxolo Jindela, issued a statement confirming the singer's death. “It is with great sadness to announce the untimely death of Nomasonto ‘Mshoza’ Maswanganyi. The 'Kortes' hitmaker succumbed peacefully in the early hours of this morning. “She will be deeply missed as an ultimate entertainer who loved being on stage”, the statement reads.

Condolences have been pouring in on social media following the musician's passing. 

“Yet another loss to the music industry. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of kwaito star Mshoza," the Southern African Music Rights Organisation wrote on Twitter.

Ambitiouz Entertainment said: “The music industry has once again lost one of our amazing artists, the queen of kwaito. We would like to send our sincere sympathies to her family and friends. May your soul rest in eternal peace.”

TV personality and comedian Tumi Morake wrote: “#RIPMshoza 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.” 

Born Nomasonto Maswanganyi, Mshoza began her career as a dancer with kwaito group Chiskop in 1998. She was popularly known for her hit song ‘Kortes’ featuring Mzambiya and as one of the most kwaito influential musicians of her generation. The singer had also performed alongside prominent South African artists and groups such as Brenda Fassie, Bongo Muffin and Thembi Seete. She is survived by her two children.