Veteran South African kwaito musician and Trompies member Mjokes died in a car accident yesterday while returning from a performance by the group in Soweto.
The news of his death was confirmed on social media by the Kalawa Jazmee record label. “It is with great sadness to announce that our Kalawa Jazmee co-director and fifth member of Trompies, Emmanuel Mojalefa Matsane, popularly known as Mjokes, passed away in a car accident. The accident happened in the early hours of this morning, 23 May 2021, after their performance with Trompies,” it said
Another post by the record stable reads: “All we are left with is your legacy and it shall live on! Allow us to reflect on such beautiful memories that made the world dance.”
The Mzansi Kwaito House Music Awards wrote on Twitter: “We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Emmanuel Mojalefa ‘Mjokes’ Matsane. Rest in peace Mjokes.”
The South African Music Awards wrote: “We are saddened by the passing of Kalawa Jazmee records co-director and fifth member of Trompies, Emmanuel ‘Mjokes’ Matsane. We extend our sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace.”
DJ Sbu wrote: “Condolences to loved ones, family, team, friends, colleagues and the music industry as a whole.”
Veteran Zimbabwean radio personality Ezra Sibanda wrote: “Sad news on the death of one of the gentle giants of kasi music and directors of Kalawa Jazmee Company Trompies, Emmanuel Mojalefa Matsane. Mjokes was a talented musician and has been one of the pillars of Kalawa Jazmee. He was a very good friend of mine and I will sadly miss him.”
Mjokes was the lead singer for the popular Trompies song ‘Sweety Lavo’. He also did vocals for such such songs as ‘Magasman’, ‘Fohloza’, ‘Zodwa’, ‘Bengimngaka’, ‘Current’ and ‘Malabulabu’.
Mjokes grew up in Soweto with Trompies members Spikiri, Mahoota, Donald Duck and Jakarumba. Trompies began making music in the mid-1990s and released their debut album Sigiya Ngengoma in 1995. Since then, the group, which produces and manages artists through Kalawa Jazmee, has sold more than 500 000 records.
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