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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa) founding member Emmanuel “Manu” Dlamini has died. He was 35. Dlamini collapsed and died in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday morning. His brother Marvellous said the family was shocked by Dlamini’s sudden death. “No one knows what happened. We’re all still shocked after we learnt that he collapsed and died in the morning. The body has been taken to the hospital for a postmortem,” said Marvellous.

He said it was only after the postmortem that burial arrangements will be worked out.

“It’s only after the postmortem that we will start the process of repatriating the body to Zimbabwe for burial in Chegutu. In Zimbabwe people are gathered at the family home in Nkulumane 5,” said Marvellous. He said he was devastated that he lost a brother who he described as a pillar of strength.

“For me it’s torn me apart as I’ve lost a brother something that one can’t prepare for. My heart is heavy but all I’ve to do is to accept that this is part of life,” said Marvellous. Iyasa director Nkululeko Dube said he was shocked and at a loss of words following the death of Dlamini.

“When I heard he had died I couldn’t believe it. It’s sad. He was very instrumental in the formation of Iyasa which has become a household name. He’ll be dearly missed and may his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Dube described Dlamini as a multitalented artiste who was one of the first members of Iyasa to tour Europe.

“Manu joined Iyasa in 2000, when the group was still called Mpopoma High School Drama Club. He was a trailblazer as he with Sibonisiwe Sithole, Future, Sandra Ndebele, Noma Mkhwananzi among others toured Europe,” said Dube.

He said Dlamini performed for eight years with Iyasa before leaving for South Africa.

“Manu stopped performing with Iyasa in 2007-8 because he was suffering migraines of which the doctor advised him to stop travelling. He then went to South Africa to seek greener pastures where he was working,” said Dube.

“Manu always had the group at heart. Each time we visited South Africa on tour he was always there to help us.”

Apart from being a performing artiste at Iyasa, Dlamini popularly known as “Bum Jive” in football circles, had a stint with Highlanders Football Club junior team and played with the likes of Gilbert Banda, the late Bekithemba “Malala” Nkiwane, United States-based Thubelihle Nkomazana, Mkhokheli Dube, Hloniphani “Fa” Ndebele, who is in Swaziland and United Kingdom based Luckson Mutanga.

Dlamini is survived by his wife Loveness and two children.