South African kwaito icon Sandile Ngwenya, known professionally as Mapaputsi, has passed away. According to a close family source, Ngwenya died on the night of Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Mapaputsi's wife, Dieketseng Ayolla Ngwenya, confirmed the tragic news, saying through tears, "Sandile is no more."
The family released an official statement confirming that the Izinja hitmaker succumbed to an undisclosed illness. "The family of South African kwaito legend Sandile Ngwenya, popularly known as Mapaputsi, is deeply saddened to announce his passing," the statement read. "Mapaputsi passed away in the late hours of Thursday after a short illness."
The Woza Friday singer and father of two had been dealing with a prolonged illness that had kept him bedridden before a brief period of recovery. In an interview with Drum magazine, it was noted that his health had not significantly improved since October of the previous year.
Despite reports of his deteriorating health, Mapaputsi had previously denied being bedridden. He addressed the rumors in a video posted on his WhatsApp status earlier this year, insisting that he was living well in Durban and not confined to bed.
This is a developing story.