As published on Times Live:
Kwaito star Brown Dash died late yesterday afternoon, his friend and collaborator, Brickz, confirmed last night.
His death, after a long illness, comes just over a week after he was seen – looking frail but in good spirits – at the SA Music Awards at Sun City.
Brickz was reluctant to provide more details surrounding his friend’s death, saying the star’s family had asked for space to mourn him.
” I’m not allowed to say much besides to confirm that he has passed away. When his family is ready, they will communicate everything ,” he said.
Brown Dash, whose real name was Simphiwe Mpamile, won the Song of the Year award for his Phansi komthunz’ Welanga at the 11th edition of the Samas in 2005.
Sunday World reported in March 2010 that he had contracted pneumonia. He had onreportedly spent three weeks at a Rosettenville hospital in February that year after complaining of chest pains and having breathing difficulties .
Another kwaito star, Arthur Mafokate, said it was still “too raw” to delve deep into Mpamile’s impact on the local industry, but reminisced about their initial meetings.
Mafokate: “I used to tell him he had potential. But then he went on to help rescue kwaito and won the Song of the Year award and inspired a lot of kids. The kwaito fraternity will miss him because he was authentic and wanted to keep his music raw and uncomplicated.”
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